Recycled Polyester – A Sustainable Opportunity

The Polyester fabric , one of the most widely used materials in the fashion industry, has come under scrutiny due to its environmental impact. As concerns about sustainability grow, rPET fabric, made from recycled plastic, has emerged as a more responsible alternative. In this blog, we explore how the rPET fabric It compares to virgin polyester in both technical quality and sustainability, and how Namubak has chosen to implement it in its products. We'll also discuss the challenges facing polyester recycling and ways we can minimize the environmental impact of our fashion choices.

 

What is polyester fabric?

The Polyester fabric , the most common form of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), is a synthetic fiber , man-made derived from a chemical reaction between oil , the air and Water . It's cheap and versatile, which is why it's become a near-permanent fashion option.

However, it is a synthetic fiber that comes from a non-renewable source (oil). If we consider that the oil industry is one of the the world's biggest polluters and contributes to climate change, polyester is starting to look unsustainable.

What's more, polyester It is not biodegradable : it could take up to 200 years to completely decompose, polluting the planet and its oceans.

 

 

What is rPET Fabric?

The rPET fabric It is a synthetic fiber derived from the recycling of PET bottles and other plastic waste. This process not only helps reduce the amount of plastic in landfills and oceans, but also allows for the production of a material that retains the same technical properties as virgin polyester, such as durability, abrasion resistance, and moisture wicking properties.

 

 

Benefits of rPET Fabric in Sustainability

The rPET fabric It represents a significantly more sustainable option compared to virgin polyester, which is made from petroleum, one of the most polluting resources on the planet. Recycling PET, apart from reducing the demand for new fossil resources, also reduces the energy required for fiber production by 50%, cutting CO2 emissions by 70%.

 

 

Why is it important to recycle plastic?

Plastic recycling is essential to reducing pollution and preserving natural resources. Turning plastic waste into rPET fabric It's one of the most effective ways to give plastic a second life, preventing these materials from remaining in the environment for centuries. Furthermore, the use of rPET in fashion helps create high-quality products that don't compromise on performance or durability.

 

 

Technical Quality of rPET Fabric

From a technical point of view, the rPET fabric It offers the same advantages as virgin polyester: strength, elasticity, and durability. This makes it an ideal choice for the manufacture of products that must withstand demanding conditions, such as the outdoor accessories that Namubak offers. Windbreaker Jacket and the rPET Safari Hat . However, It is important to mention that , although rPET is more sustainable, Its production still faces challenges , such as the release of microplastics during washing of garments.

 

 

The Microplastics Challenge

One of the most worrying problems with polyester, including recycled polyester, is the release of microplastics. During washing, garments made from rPET fabric Microfibers can release tiny synthetic fibers that end up in the ocean, affecting marine life and, eventually, the human food chain. According to studies, up to 4,500 microfibers can be released per gram of clothing during each wash, underscoring the importance of adopting more sustainable washing practices and the need for more innovation in polyester recycling.

 

The Role of Recycled Polyester in Sustainable Fashion

Although the use of rPET fabric While it's a step forward in sustainable fashion, it's not a perfect solution. Currently, less than 1% of the global fiber market comes from recycled textiles, indicating a significant lag in textile recycling compared to other sectors. Furthermore, recycled rPET is often blended with virgin polyester, perpetuating the reliance on fossil fuels and limiting recycling opportunities at the end of a product's life.

 

 

Things Made from Recycled Plastic: Inspiring Examples

Leading brands such as Patagonia and The North Face have embraced the rPET fabric in their products, proving that it's possible to create sustainable clothing and accessories without sacrificing quality. These companies have been pioneers in adopting recycled materials, inspiring other brands, including Namubak, to follow their example and contribute to more responsible fashion.

 

rPET Fabric Certifications

To ensure the authenticity and sustainability of the rPET fabric , it is crucial that the products have certifications such as  Global Recycled Standard (GRS) . This certification not only ensures that materials come from recycled sources, but also guarantees that production processes meet high environmental and social standards, protecting both the planet and workers.

 

 

What to Do with Recycled Plastic?

Recycling PET for the manufacture of rPET fabric It's one of the best ways to reuse plastic waste. In addition to fashion, recycled plastic is used in a variety of products, from furniture to packaging, promoting a circular economy and reducing the need for virgin resources.

 

In Namubak, We are committed to sustainability and innovation . By choosing the rPET fabric In our products, we not only offer high-quality items, but we also take concrete steps to protect the environment. As the fashion industry moves toward more sustainable practices, it's essential that we all consider the impact of our purchasing decisions and opt for materials that minimize our impact on the planet.