Recycled Polyester

Definition and Overview

Recycled polyester is a fiber made by reprocessing collected polyester products and scrap and leftover materials generated during manufacturing into raw material. In addition to the method of melting recycled raw material and turning it back into fiber, there is also a method of chemically breaking down the raw material and using it again as polyester raw material.

The origin of the raw material, the recycling method, and the blending ratio of recycled raw material differ by material. Therefore, even if it is labeled “recycled,” the proportion of recycled raw material in the entire product and the method used to verify traceability are not the same.

Features

Like ordinary polyester, it is easy to achieve strength, resists wrinkling, and dries relatively quickly. Depending on whether it is filament thread or spun thread, the thickness of the thread, the structure, and the finishing process, it can be designed with a wide range of textures from lightweight to heavyweight.

On the other hand, using recycled raw material alone does not uniformly determine the texture or functions of the textile. Performance such as quick absorbency and drying, stretch, and water repellency must be checked individually by thread, knit or woven construction, and processing details.

• Used for woven fabrics, knits, tapes, ribbons, and more.
• Used alone as well as in blends with cotton, rayon, polyurethane, and others.
• Because it is prone to deformation from heat, caution is required for high-temperature processing.

Main Applications

Used in apparel such as shirts, blouses, dresses, pants, jackets, coats, and cut-and-sew items. Taking advantage of its lightness and quick-drying properties, it is also used for sportswear, uniforms, and outdoor items.

It is developed into a variety of structures and textile expressions such as taffeta, twill, tricot, and satin. When determining the application, in addition to whether recycled raw material is used, check the industry weight, density, thickness, stretch, and required durability.

How to Choose and Handling Notes

For products that require environmental claims, confirm the origin of the recycled raw material, the content percentage, and whether supporting documents are available with the supplier. Depending on the blended materials, lamination or coating, and the composition of accessories, the entire product may not necessarily be made from the same recycled raw material.

In sewing, for lightweight materials, be careful of gloss from heat and iron shine, and for heavyweight or high-density products, be careful of needle holes and puckering. Confirm sewing conditions and pressing conditions during prototyping, and before mass production evaluate shrinkage after washing, dimensional changes, and the degree of color fading and color transfer.

For washing and ironing, always follow the care label for each textile or product. Since polyester can be weak against heat, avoid high settings on dryers and irons, and also be careful not to apply direct heat to printed, coated, or finished surfaces.

Differences from Similar Terms

Polyester refers to all synthetic fibers made from petroleum-based or similar raw materials, while recycled polyester refers to polyester that uses recycled raw material. Since both are classified as polyester as fiber names, quality and performance are judged by the individual textile specifications.

Bio polyester sometimes refers to polyester made from biomass raw materials such as plant-derived sources, and its raw material concept differs from recycled polyester, which uses recycled raw material. Also, recycled polyester does not mean biodegradable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is recycled polyester different in quality from regular polyester?

Using recycled raw material alone does not necessarily make it higher or lower in quality than regular polyester. Strength, texture, dyeability, and durability vary depending on the recycling method, raw material management, thread design, structure, and processing conditions. When adopting it, confirm with specifications and test results.

Can recycled polyester be labeled as an environmentally conscious material?

Using recycled raw material is one part of environmental consideration efforts, but whether and how it can be expressed depends on the origin of the recycled raw material, the content percentage, supporting documents, and the labeling standards of the sales destination. It is important to also check the material composition and processing of the entire product and avoid expressions that go beyond the evidence.

Can recycled polyester be washed at home?

Many textiles can be washed at home, but you cannot judge based on the material name alone. The appropriate washing method differs depending on blended fibers, knit or woven structure, processing such as water repellency or coating, and accessories. Always handle it based on the textile test results and the product care label.