Does recycled polyester release microplastics?

Over the past few years, recycled polyester has started to receive much praise as it is a better substitute than virgin polyester within the textile industry. Recycled polyester is manufactured out of already used substances, such as plastic bottles or worn clothes, thus saving some environmental resources and energy in comparison to the manufacturing of new polyester fibers. But with popularity come issues claiming that recycled polyester materials might release microplastics that pollute the environment. SHENMARK Textile has been predominantly dealing with these issues and introducing alternative solutions to decrease microplastic emission into the environment.

The Release of Microplastics during Washing of Polyester Materials

Polyester, whether traditional or recycled, is a synthetic fiber created from petroleum-based products. One of the main environmental challenges regarding polyester items is that during washes, they can lose millions of speck-sized plastic fibers referred to as microplastics. Unfortunately, these microplastics are so minute that they often escape the eye's view and are discharged into the environment through wastewater systems, where they find their way into oceans and harm aquatic life. The question arises: does recycled polyester emit the same concentration of microplastics as does virgin polyester?

The Amount of Microplastics Released with Recycled Polyester.

Studies have shown that these types of materials, although still polyester, might have lower microplastic release during washing due to recycled polyester fiber blending with garments, though the extent of this is not significantly different. This is mainly because the recycling technique quite frequently means the polymer is heated and then formed into new shapes, which changes the structure of the fibers and decreases the likelihood of the loss of fibers from the polymer in the washing process. However, microplastic pollution from the consumption of recycled polyester is still a concern.

SHENMARK Textile and Microplastic Pollution

SHENMARK Textiles is focused on creating textile types that address waste and the environmental challenges caused by textile production. Within its core business activities, SHENMARK is focused on enhancing the performance of its recovered polyester materials to reduce shedding while also integrating new techniques for minimizing microplastic pollutants during the production phase.

In particular, SHENMARK incorporates such coating methods, which make fibers less prone to microplastic release. In addition, SHENMARK organized joint efforts with research centers regarding the creation of a material that could prevent the release of microfibers into water systems during washing.

What Can Customers Do to Help in the Fight Against Microplastic Pollution?

Even though the textile industry as a whole and, in particular, SHENMARK Textile have made progress towards reducing microplastic emissions, the consumers of the products also have a big responsibility. Reducing the frequency of washing synthetic materials, using washing machines fitted with a microplastic filter, and making use of washing bags that absorb fibers are some of the steps that can be undertaken to ensure minimal release of microplastics to the surrounding. Moreover, purchasing the products of companies such as SHENMARK that prove to use sustainable strategies would instigate more inventions and increase the supply of eco-friendly textile products.

Conclusion

It could be argued that recycled polyester might shed microplastics, but this is comparatively less detrimental than using virgin polyester. SHENMARK Textile, as a sustainable brand, is committed to making the best materials and focusing on their products’ impact on the environment and its resources. Consumers, by opting for recycled polyester and brands that endorse such initiatives, can bring an effect on microplastics and the overall pollution on the Earth.