26/03/2026
What is the difference between polyester and PET plastic?
Polyester is produced from PET plastic!
The polyester fibres are created from polyethylene terephthalate, or, PET - the same material of single-use water bottles!
Aout 40% of PET goes to plastics, like water bottles. But the other 60% goes to synthetic textiles, like polyester. Crazy!
As you are probably aware, polyester is the most widely used textile globally. It is cost effective to manufacture and purchase, moisture resistant and durable.
But, it is also the most detrimental textile produced. It is not sustainable. It requires extensive water and energy consumption, and isn’t biodegradable.
Something as simple as washing your polyester clothing, or bed linen, contributes to microplastic pollution in the waterways, which has long-term consequences to the environment. And in turn, human health (E.g. dietary sources, like fish). It’s a vicious cycle.
And PET itself has been linked to endocrine disruption (your hormones), from toxic chemicals that may leach out of the material, even when utilised in interiors (e.g. textiles, furnishings) - There’s a bit of hint on our upcoming Blog post topic!
When you are shopping for clothing, soft furnishings, or even upholstered furniture, opt for sustainably-produced natural fibres, and ideally Oeko-Tex-certified (free from toxic chemicals).