How Bad is Polyester for the Planet?

Polyester, once hailed as a “wonder fiber” in the 1950s, remains a favorite in the fashion industry thanks to its durability, versatility, and low cost. This synthetic fiber is known for its resistance to shrinking, stretching, and wrinkling, making it incredibly convenient for everyday wear. It can mimic the appearance and texture of silk, cotton, wool, or linen, and when blended with other fibers, it adds durability and strength to garments. However, behind polyester’s convenience and affordability lies a troubling environmental impact.

The Dark Side of Polyester

Polyester is made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource, making it a carbon-intensive material. Over 70 million barrels of oil are used annually to produce polyester, contributing significantly to global carbon emissions. As a synthetic fiber, polyester is also non-biodegradable, meaning it can take centuries to break down, adding to the growing issue of landfill waste.

But that’s not the worst part—when polyester garments are washed, they release tiny plastic particles, known as microfibers, into the water supply. These microfibers eventually make their way into rivers, oceans, and marine life, contributing to the escalating problem of plastic pollution. In fact, synthetic garments are one of the largest sources of microplastic pollution in the oceans, with up to 1,900 fibers shedding from a single garment with each wash.

Additionally, polyester production requires harmful chemicals, some of which are carcinogenic. These chemicals are often released untreated into the environment, especially in countries with lax environmental regulations like China, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. The dyeing process for polyester also involves toxic substances, further contaminating water supplies.