Polyester is a popular synthetic material widely used in the fashion industry.

It is made
from petrochemicals, which makes it non-renewable and a significant contributor to
carbon emissions. Despite its versatility and affordability, there are concerns about the
sustainability of polyester, from its production process to its disposal. In this report, we
will examine the sustainability issues related to polyester, focusing on its environmental
impact and the efforts to make its production and use more sustainable.

According to a report by the Changing Markets Foundation (2018), polyester production

is highly energy-intensive, and it contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
The production process also generates toxic waste, which can harm human health and
the environment. In addition, the production of polyester requires large amounts of
water, which can put pressure on water resources, especially in areas where water is
scarce.

The book "Sustainable Fashion: Past, Present and Future" edited by Jennifer Farley
Gordon and Colleen Hill (2019) also highlights the environmental impact of polyester.
The book emphasizes the need for a more circular fashion system, where materials are
reused and recycled, and the fashion industry moves away from the current linear
model of "take-make-dispose." The book suggests that recycled polyester can be a
more sustainable alternative to virgin polyester as it reduces the need for virgin
materials and lowers carbon emissions.

Another approach to making polyester more sustainable is by using renewable energy

sources and closed-loop systems in the manufacturing process. For instance, some
companies are adopting solar or wind power in their production process, reducing
greenhouse gas emissions. Closed-loop systems involve reusing or recycling waste
materials within the production process, minimizing pollutants and resource
consumption (Muthu, 2019). These initiatives can also help achieve circular economy
goals, where waste is minimized, and resources are kept in use.

In addition to these technical solutions, here are steps individuals can take to reduce the
environmental impact of polyester. By extending the lifespan of polyester products
through proper care and maintenance, the demand for new polyester products is
reduced, and less energy and resources are used in production (Gwilt & Rissanen,
2020). Furthermore, individuals can donate or recycle polyester products at the end of
their lifecycle, reducing landfill waste and promoting a more circular economy (WRAP,
n.d.) or using them for other purposes, such as cleaning rags or stuffing for pillows. In
some cases, polyester products can also be recycled through specialized programs that
turn them back into raw materials for new polyester products.

In conclusion, polyester is a widely used material in the fashion industry, but it has
significant environmental impacts that must be addressed. The adoption of closed-loop
systems, the use of non-toxic chemicals, and the development of recycled polyester are
some of the solutions proposed by experts to make the polyester industry more
sustainable. The fashion industry must work together with policymakers, academics,
and consumers to create a more sustainable future. By choosing sustainable materials
and adopting responsible practices, we can reduce our environmental footprint and
promote a more sustainable world.

Reference

(2021) Fossil Fashion: The hidden reliance of fast fashion on fossil fuels. rep. Changing Market
Foundation. Available at: http://changingmarkets.org/wp-
content/uploads/2021/01/FOSSIL-FASHION_Web-compressed.pdf (Accessed: March 15,
2023).

Gordon, J.F. and Hill, C. (2019) Sustainable Fashion: Past, Present and Future. Bloomsbury
Visual Arts.

Muthu, S.S. (2019) The Fashion Industry and Its Impacts on the Environment and Society.
Springer.

Gwilt, A. and Rissanen, T. (2020) Shaping Sustainable Fashion: Changing the Way We Make
and Use Clothes. Routledge.

Recycled Polyester (2023) Waste and Resources Action Programme. Available at:
https://ckh.wrap.org.uk/rawMaterialsAndFabrics/recycledPolyester?breadcrumb=
(Accessed: March 15, 2023).