Why is Polyester bad for your clothing and the environment?
Polyester is prevalent in the fashion industry due to its affordability, durability, and versatility. From fast fashion to high-performance sportswear, polyester is everywhere. However, its widespread use has significant downsides. This article explores the hidden costs of polyester, focusing on its environmental impact, health concerns, and effects on clothing quality.
Environmental Impact
One of the critical issues with polyester is its environmental footprint. Polyester is a synthetic fiber derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. Its production is energy-intensive, consuming large amounts of fossil fuels and water, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
Moreover, polyester is not biodegradable. Discarded polyester garments can take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to long-term landfill pollution. Washing polyester clothing releases microplastics into waterways, harming marine life and potentially entering the human food chain.
Health Concerns
Polyester can pose health risks. The fabric is often treated with chemicals such as dyes, flame retardants, and anti-wrinkle agents, which can be absorbed through the skin. Some people experience skin irritation or allergic reactions when wearing polyester clothing. Additionally, inhaling microfibers shed from polyester garments can harm respiratory health.
Quality and Comfort
While polyester is praised for its durability and wrinkle resistance, it has drawbacks in comfort and quality. Polyester is less breathable than natural fibers like cotton or wool, making it uncomfortable to wear, especially in warm weather. The fabric traps sweat and odors, leading to discomfort and hygiene issues.
Polyester garments are also prone to pilling and static electricity. Over time, the fabric can degrade, losing its shape and appearance, diminishing the lifespan of polyester clothing and contributing to fast fashion waste.
Ethical Considerations
The production of polyester often involves exploitative labor practices. Many polyester garments are manufactured in countries with lax labor laws, where workers face poor working conditions, low wages, and long hours. The fast fashion industry, which heavily relies on polyester, is notorious for unethical labor practices.
Conclusion
While polyester offers practical advantages, its negative impacts on the environment, human health, and garment quality are substantial. Consumers should be aware of these hidden costs and consider more sustainable alternatives. Opting for natural fibers, supporting ethical brands, and reducing fast fashion consumption can help mitigate the adverse effects of polyester. By making informed choices, we can contribute to a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.
Independent Textiles Professional
2wReactive dyed denim Many years ago in Ethiopia I carried out a pad batch trial at the customers request on loom state cotton. To my surprise it was successful. The quality desired was of course not very high. It may be possible to apply black reactive dye (black 5) dye by pad batch on sized yarn. The size applied should be controlled to it minimum concentration. Other reactive colours could be also applied. Vinyl sulphones have poor fastness and therefore ideal for distress fashion washing later. Pad size, dry, pad reactive (batch) wash dry weave. Batching enables perfect wetting out and levelling. Easy to try in the laboratory.