RPET as a better alternative for the environment
RPET is recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or simply, recycled plastic. In fashion, rPET can be transformed into recycled polyester and is, in this form, being rapidly adopted by many top fashion brands for wearable garments like clothing and bags, to homewares and even shoes, using post-consumer plastic bottles.
So how can fabric be made of recycled plastic bottles and why bother making the switch? What exactly are the benefits of buying products made from rPET? Is this material more sustainable than fabric made of virgin material? What does it truly mean for the environment and why have we decided to use this recycled content fabric in our picnic mats?
Let’s break it down, starting with background information on the creation of polyester and its newer offshoot, recycled polyester.
What is polyester?
Polyester is a man-made fibre, a synthetic material produced from the chemical reaction between petroleum, air and water. One of the most common and widely used fibres in the world accounting for more than 65% of the fibres in the textile and apparel industry, it’s known for its durability, flexibility, abrasion resistance and easy-to-care-for properties. Research obtained by Textile Exchange, a global nonprofit that fosters leaders in the preferred fibre and materials industry, states the use of polyester isn’t waning. In their Preferred Fiber & Materials Market Report 2019, this study indicates polyester it is the most widely used fibre in the world, taking up 52% of global fibre production in 2018.
With polyester having such a large market share, the Textile Exchange:
challenged over 50 textile, apparel and retail companies (including giants like Adidas, H&M, Gap and Ikea) to increase their use of recycled polyester by 25 percent by 2020. It worked: last month, the organization issued a statement celebrating that signatories have not only met the goal two years before the deadline, they have actually exceeded it by upping their use of recycled polyester by 36 percent. In addition, twelve more companies have pledged to join the challenge this year. The organization forecasts 20 percent of all polyester to be recycled by 2030.
How does recycled polyester differ from virgin polyester?
There is no doubt that to many, polyester doesn’t stand out at first glance for its environmentally friendly credentials, however it's becoming an increasingly essential solution in our mission for a more sustainable textile alternative. Recycled polyester, unlike virgin polyester, uses existing PET as the raw material. Plastic waste is collected as disused plastic bottles and fishing nets, which are then shipped to a processing facility to be melted down into pellets before it’s re-spun and given a second life as recycled polyester fibre.
Recycled polyester maintains the same properties (level of quality, durability, pliancy, quick drying and colour fastness) as its counterpart, virgin polyester. RPET is just as good as virgin polyester, however it takes less resources to manufacture, therefore making it considerably more sustainable and environmentally friendly than standard polyester due to:
Reducing reliance on fossil fuels
By adopting the use of recycled polyester in our mats, we’re saving natural resources. Instead of introducing new petroleum (or crude oil) into the environment, we’re able to save just over one litre of petroleum per kilo of recycled material. In turn, we discourage the extraction of petroleum from the earth by lessening the demand.
Reducing landfill and ocean pollution
200 million tonnes of plastic is produced every year, of which an estimated 10% makes its way directly into our oceans where it plays havoc in the homes of our sea life. Using post-consumer recycled polyester diverts PET bottles from ending up as landfill, decreasing the amount of plastic waste in the environment, our soil, our air and water. One kilo of collected ocean plastic waste can additionally be converted into one kilo of recycled material. When we recycle post-consumer and industrial plastics into rPET, we decrease the amount of plastic releasing toxic gases into the air we breathe during the incineration process.
Reducing the carbon footprint
Did you know that rPET actually saves energy? Throughout its entire production processes, it consumes between 35-50% less energy compared to virgin polyester, and generates 70-79% less CO2 emissions. CO2 is one of the largest contributors to climate change, so we think it’s of fundamental importance to reduce emissions as much as we can. As PET is such a popular material, a push for industry to choose it in its recycled form when creating new products allows us to bring significant and positive environmental change into the future.
So how ethical is recycled polyester vs natural fibres?
Polyester is not a natural-based fibre and is simply a plastic, making it the lesser choice for garments that require breathability. However compared to cotton it still has its environmental advantages and is the better option for a larger range of products. Cotton (not including organic cotton) and the cotton industry unfortunately results in some considerable environmental impact due to its production process, which involves the use of chemicals and pesticides as well as fertilisers required to harvest a crop. Compared to cotton, recycled polyester has no need for agricultural land and doesn’t require gallons of water to produce it. Additionally, cotton has a limited life span, cannot be used in as large a range of applications as polyester, and can still take numerous years to fully decompose.
Ok but what about microfabrics or microplastics?
Microfabrics or microfibres are the minute particles that can be released when a textile is washed in a washing machine. All fabrics release microfibres, especially when washed vigorously. When synthetic fabrics (such as nylon, polyester, acrylic, rayon, viscose, lycra, fleece and similar blends) are washed via washing machine they will release plastic microfibres better known as microplastics. Unfortunately, such fibres are non-biodegradable, and can end up in our food supply, consumed by sea life, and will in turn end up in our drinking water, and in us.
As microfibre shedding is strongly linked to machine washing, we have developed our waterproof picnic mats so that machine washing isn’t necessary. Our mats are made with a durable, eco-friendly water repellent that also repels liquid stains. Being made of rPET means our mats are also more resilient to weathering and are much more durable for outdoor use. A wipe down with a mild detergent or soap and left to dry should be all that is required to keep them looking fresh and clean.
Sol Seekers stands for the environment
Recycling PET isn’t a perfect solution, and it doesn’t solve the fact that once plastic products are produced they’re here to stay for a long time. However, reducing the manufacturing of virgin polyester and finding a new life for post-consumer discarded plastics, is no doubt a step in the right direction for the health of our environment and of humanity. Where possible, we can avoid contribution to the throw-away mentality of the society we live in, and instead prioritise the use of certified recycled polyester materials to create functional, durable and long-lasting waterproof picnic mats and other outdoor products that not only look great, but more importantly join the drive for more eco-conscious product development in the future.
Cover photo source: Burst