Polyester is one of the most common synthetic materials in clothing production, appealing to fashion manufacturers because its low price point allows them to maximize profits. However, the reality is that polyester isn’t sustainable or renewable, with The Independent ranking it as one of the most harmful fabrics for the environment.
This is one of the reasons that we pointed out the dangers of fast fashion. Those products tend to use a lot of polyester.
While many people are aware that polyester isn’t a particularly eco-friendly fabric, most don’t realize the effects of the material on our bodies. It can aggravate skin conditions and impact our hormones among other potential health risks. Some companies have ditched polyester altogether. Silq Rose, a producer of sustainable hijabs, has moved away from chemically-manufactured fabrics in favor of biodegradable and smart textiles, citing the disastrous effects the fast fashion industry has produced in the name of accessibility as a reason for doing so.
The impact of polyester on the environment
You need to appreciate the harmful impact that polyester has on the environment. You will probably be more likely to avoid it or at least use an ethical retailer that uses recycled polyester if you realize it has the following consequences.
Fossil fuel usage
Polyester is made from the non-renewable resource petroleum and its production relies heavily on the petrochemical industry for its raw materials. This means fossil fuels are needed (the most significant contributor to increasing CO2 emissions), with 70 million barrels of oil used annually to create polyester. The process also releases toxins into the environment, impacting many living organisms.
Decomposition
Polyester isn’t naturally biodegradable and can take up to 200 years to decompose. Every piece of polyester clothing you buy still exists long after you’ve got rid of it. As it decomposes, methane is released, a greenhouse gas even more potent than carbon dioxide. It’s highly flammable and contributes to climate change.
Plastic pollution
When polyester is washed, tiny synthetic microfibers are released into the water supply. These bits of plastic build up in our rivers and oceans and pose a threat to the environment. A study by Plymouth University discovered that one wash could release 4,000 microfibres per gram of fabric, but also up to 400 microfibers are shed simply by wearing polyester clothing. These contribute to 31% of plastic pollution in the ocean and cause substantial harm to marine life.
The impact of polyester on the body
Damaging microfibers
The plastic microfibers released into our waterways from washing and wearing polyester means we often eat, drink and breathe these in. The Washington Post revealed that Americans ingest at least 74,000 microplastic particles every year, and some of these particles release bisphenol A, which is linked to hormone interference. Exposure can reduce fertility in both men and women and it only takes a small amount to take effect.
Harsh dyes and chemicals
Alongside the microplastics, the strong dyes and chemicals used in polyester production can also be found in our water supplies. Large quantities of dye is needed in order to get the desired colour, which then often goes down the drain, ultimately landing in the ocean. These chemicals are harsh on the skin and can cause rashes.
Polyester bedding can be particularly detrimental due to it containing formaldehyde, a known irritant, and perfluorochemicals (PFCs). The latter have been linked to problems such as liver toxicity, immune system alterations and development changes. In a study at Stockholm university researchers tested four groups of substances which have potential health risks according to their occurrence, quantity, toxicity and how easily they penetrate the skin, and found the highest concentration of two of the substances were found in polyester.
With all this in mind, it’s evident that as consumers we need to move away from harmful polyester. The effects on the environment should be pressing enough, but the unseen damage it is doing to our bodies means there’s no better reason to make better, more eco-friendly decisions for our wardrobes.
Avoid Using Polyester
Polyester can be devastating to the environment and your health. You should consider the consequences listed above if you want to protect the planet and your body from harm.
yan Kh is an experienced blogger, digital content & social marketer. Founder of Catalyst For Business and contributor to search giants like Yahoo Finance and MSN. He is passionate about covering topics like sustainability, green-business approach and high-tech innovations.
FAQs
Toxic Dyes and Chemicals:
How is polyester harmful to the environment? ›
Yes, polyester is bad for the environment. It is a type of plastic that takes a long time to decompose and releases significant carbon emissions during production. The microfibers shed from polyester clothing can also harm the environment by entering water bodies and affecting marine life.
How does polyester affect your health? ›
Skin exposure to Polyester can cause rashes, itching, redness, eczema, dermatitis, blistering or make existing skin problems worse for those with sensitive skin, up to 3 days later. Heat releases Polyester chemicals like Antimony oxide Sb2O3, which is used to make Polyester and is a known carcinogen.
How has polyester been detrimental to humankind? ›
But a multitude of recent studies show that polyester sheds small pieces of plastic called microplastics with every wash. These microplastics are filling our water and air, and are being ingested by marine life and animals and even us.
What is the conclusion of polyester? ›
Conclusion. The good combination and processing options make polyester a versatile material that also offers good alternatives in terms of sustainability. Nevertheless, polyester has a poor eco-balance, because microplastics dissolve in the waxing machine and end up in the wastewater.
What is wrong with polyester? ›
Polyester is not eco-friendly, as it's a petroleum-based product, which means it's not sustainable and takes hundreds of years to break down. In addition, the microfibers in polyester clothing often end up in our waterways where they're ingested by fish, other marine life, and humans as well.
Why does polyester feel bad? ›
Polyester is by nature hydrophobic, meaning it repels water rather than absorbing it. So when it is used in a non-breathable design, it can cause uncomfortable sweating and chafing. That being said, if you find that your skin is unbothered by synthetic fabrics, you might not need to give up on polyester for good.
What are two disadvantages of polyester? ›
Despite its many uses and advantages, polyester does have some drawbacks, such as having a very polluting production process. For every 1 kg of polyester produced, 14.2 kg of CO2 is produced. Polyester has a high ignition temperature but nonetheless can melt easily.
Is polyester inflammatory? ›
Abstract. Minced polyester threads introduced into the peritoneal cavity cause a chronic inflammation with evidence of macrophage and lymphocyte stimulation.
Is polyester bad for babies? ›
Polyester is not a breathable fabric. It can make babies sweat and overheat, which may contribute to SIDS. When the body heats up, the chemicals can then be absorbed into the skin. Babies with sensitive skin, allergies, or eczema can also be affected.
The most obvious issue is polyester is directly derived from oil, a fossil fuel. But the fabric is also responsible for leaching toxic dyes and microfibers into the environment.
Why is polyester important to humans? ›
Polyester is used for disposable plastic bottles due to its resistance to microorganisms and does not degrade biologically. Sports Gear, Sportswear, Upholstery, Covers, and Table Cloths. Polyester is used in manufacturing products often utilized outdoors due to its durability and stain resistance.
Is polyester bad for your hair? ›
Other fabrics such as cotton, nylon, polyester and wool will soak up the moisture from your hair, leading to dryness. Fabrics, other than silk or satin, will rub against your hair strands. This will raise the cuticles, causing frizz and a higher tendency for breakage.
How bad is polyester for the environment? ›
Since polyester is made of plastic it is not biodegrable, it takes hundreds of years for the fibre to dissolve. When sent to land-fill, the toxic materials used during the production process leach into the soil and could contaminate the water of the local population.
Is polyester good or bad for you? ›
There is no doubt that polyester fabric is often exposed to toxic chemicals and hazardous substances. Traces of these substances can remain on products and cause irritation and health issues. This is particularly true when it comes to clothing that is in contact with sensitive skin or in bedding or baby products.
How does polyester contribute to global warming? ›
Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
These fuels are combusted to produce heat or generate electricity that powers the heating systems in polyester manufacturing plants. The combustion of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Why is polyester considered a bad fabric and why is it so cheap? ›
Polyester is synthetic, not breathable, repels water, and isn't sustainable.
Is polyester toxic plastic? ›
The production, use, and washing of polyester clothing releases microplastics and toxic chemicals into the environment. These chemicals and microplastics make their way into our food and water and can negatively impact our overall health over time.
