There are thousands of consumer and industrial uses for this fabric, making it one of the most ubiquitous fabrics in the world.
Polyester is a synthetic polymer whose main chemical components are chemicals belonging to the ester functional group. Ethylene, a component of petroleum that may be produced from other sources, is used in making most synthetic fibers and certain plant-based polyester fibers.
Although certain types of polyester are biodegradable, most are not; hence, the creation and dissemination of polyester is a significant source of environmental degradation.
What Varieties of Polyester Fabric Are There?
If you’re interested in learning more about polyester microfiber fabric, here are the three main varieties:
Polyester Ethylene
In terms of market share, ethylene polyester (or PET) far outpaces all other polyester varieties. Though there are other forms of polyester, the time “polyester” is often synonymous with “PET” in most situations.
Plant-Based Polyester
Biodegradability is the primary benefit of polyester made from plants. However, the production of plant-based polyester is more expensive, and it is unclear whether or not it is as durable as its petroleum-based counterparts, PET and PCDT.
PCDT Polyester
PCDT polyester is less standard than PET polyester, but its excellent elasticity makes it useful in some contexts. PCDT polyester also has a longer lifespan than PET polyester, making it the go-to choice for upholstery and other high-use home decor items.
How Can Polyester Fabric Be Put to Use?
The polyethylene terephthalate (PET) used in producing polyester fabric is the same type of plastic used to make many other synthetic consumer goods. Food storage containers, water bottles, and many other items are a few industrial and consumer goods that benefit from this versatile plastic. However, PET is used in various consumer goods in its fiber form and polyester fabric. Using PET as a substitute for cotton predates its potential usefulness as a replacement for other natural fibers, such as wool and silk, in specific contexts.
Where Is Polyester Fabric Made?
The United States is not the only country that produces polyester; other notable producers include Taiwan, Korea, India, Japan, and Indonesia. After being spun into polyester yarn in China and elsewhere in Asia, the fibers almost always stay on the continent to be transformed into polyester-based consumer goods like clothes.
What Is The Price of Polyester Fabric?
The market value of raw polyester fiber fluctuates daily but is now around $1 per pound. A significant contributor to polyester’s worldwide success is its low price, which stays soft even after adjusting for inflation.
After being transformed into the fabric, the cost of polyester increases to around $10 per yard. Materials made from polyester are used by manufacturers of clothing and other consumer goods, which are ultimately sold to end users.
How Does Polyester Affect The Environment?
When used in large quantities, polyester is harmful to ecosystems anywhere it is used. This fabric’s whole life cycle, from manufacture to usage to disposal, is fraught with adverse effects on the environment. To access fossil fuels must be obtained; they are finite resources also utilized in producing vital energy and polymers. Refining crude oil into petroleum releases several toxic substances harmful to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
