Bronte Wells
Polyester is the most widely used clothing fibre in the world, but its production is highly energy-intensive and polluting. The process of creating polyester releases harmful chemicals, dyes, and microplastics into the environment, causing air, water, and soil pollution. These pollutants have severe ecological consequences, including the destruction of ecosystems and the endangerment of human health. The fashion industry's reliance on polyester and other synthetic fibres has led to an increase in global textile waste and contributed significantly to the plastic pollution in our oceans. To address these issues, fashion companies are exploring alternatives and implementing clothing recycling programs to reduce their environmental impact.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Energy required | 125 MJ/kg of polyester fibre |
| Carbon emissions | 27.2 kg CO2 eq/kg of polyester woven fabric emission; 119.59 kg CO2/100 kg for virgin polyester |
| Water pollution | 20% of global water pollution; discharge of untreated wastewater |
| Air pollution | Yes |
| Soil pollution | Yes |
| Health impact | Threatens human health |
| Worker impact | Poor working conditions, long hours, low pay, modern slavery, child labour, dangerous working environments |
| Landfill | Fills landfills for centuries |
| Biodegradability | Not biodegradable |
| Recycling | Difficult to recycle; recycled polyester reduces CO2 emissions by 75% |
| Microplastics | Yes; 700,000 microplastic fibres per laundry load; 31-35% of microplastics in oceans |
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What You'll Learn
Polyester's carbon footprint
Polyester is a synthetic fabric made from oil, a non-renewable resource. The production of polyester is energy-intensive, requiring as much as 125 MJ/kg of polyester fibre, resulting in 27.2 kg of CO2 eq/kg of polyester woven fabric emission. The carbon footprint of virgin polyester is 119.59 kg of CO2/100 kilograms, while the carbon footprint of waste polyester (when recycling) is 1154.15 kg of CO2/100 kilograms. Polyester's longevity is a double-edged sword; while it allows clothes to be worn many times, garments will likely end up in landfills, where they can take up to 200 years to break down.
The polyester production process emits significantly more greenhouse gases than natural fibres such as cotton. For example, a polyester shirt produces 12.1 pounds of carbon, whereas a cotton shirt produces 9.5 pounds. Polyester is also associated with water pollution, as the dyeing and finishing of polyester products contribute to around 20% of global water pollution. The poor management of residues along the supply chain can cause soil and water pollution via the direct release of wastewater containing dyes and chemicals into nearby water sources.
The use of polyester clothing also contributes to pollution. Every time polyester clothing is washed, it sheds tiny plastic fibres called microfibres, which are a form of microplastics. A single laundry load of polyester clothes can discharge as many as 700,000 microplastic fibres, with the majority of microplastics released during the first few washes. These microplastics eventually make their way into oceans, where they contribute to 31% of plastic pollution.
To reduce the carbon footprint of polyester, some companies are adopting recycled polyester in their production processes. Recycled polyester production reduces CO2 emissions by 75% compared to virgin polyester production. However, the process of recycling polyester is more expensive, and recycled polyester degrades with each cycle, limiting its reusability.
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Water pollution
Polyester is a synthetic material derived from oil and is the most widely used clothing fibre globally. It is light, strong, and easily dyed, making it a popular choice for clothing and other fabric items like backpacks and bags. However, the production and use of polyester contribute significantly to water pollution in several ways.
Firstly, the dyeing process of polyester fabric requires the use of chemicals to ensure the dye adheres to the fibres. These chemicals can be toxic and harmful to both human health and the environment. If not properly treated, the discharge of these chemicals into local water systems can cause water pollution, affecting rivers, lakes, and oceans. This can have devastating consequences on aquatic life and potentially enter the food chain, impacting human communities as well.
Secondly, the wet processing stage, which includes pretreatment, dyeing, and finishing, consumes a significant amount of water. Producing a single pair of jeans, for example, requires 8,000 litres of water, equivalent to one person's drinking water for seven years. This excessive water usage can limit access to fresh water for millions of people and exacerbate water scarcity issues, particularly in regions where polyester production facilities are located.
Thirdly, the poor management of residues along the polyester supply chain can lead to water pollution. This includes the direct release of wastewater containing dyes and chemicals into nearby water bodies, which can have serious ecological and health implications. The chemicals used in the dyeing and finishing processes, such as flame retardants and certain dyes, have been linked to various health issues, including skin irritation, autoimmune diseases, respiratory problems, and cancer with prolonged exposure.
Finally, polyester clothing contributes to microplastic pollution in waterways and oceans. A single laundry load of polyester clothes can release up to 700,000 microplastic fibres, and these microplastics can harm marine life and potentially enter the food chain. While some facilities may have water treatment and recycling systems in place to minimise water usage and pollution, the effectiveness and prevalence of such systems can vary across regions and companies.
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Air pollution
Polyester is a synthetic material derived from oil, specifically petroleum, a non-renewable fossil fuel. The extraction of petroleum can cause environmental risks due to potential underwater leaks and transportation accidents. Polyester production is also energy-intensive, requiring substantial amounts of energy and water. Polyester factories, particularly in China, emit significant amounts of CO2 as they are often powered by coal and oil. Experts estimate that the production of polyester fibres consumes 125 megajoules per kilogram and releases 27.2 kg of CO2 equivalent per kilogram of woven fabric.
The poor management of residues along the supply chain can also cause soil and water pollution. In addition, the dyeing of polyester fabric requires the use of chemicals to ensure that the dye adheres to the fibres. Some of these chemicals can be toxic, carcinogenic, or harmful to human health and the environment. If wastewater from polyester production is discharged without proper treatment, it can pollute local water bodies, affecting both wildlife and human populations.
The incineration of polyester clothing also contributes to air pollution and climate change, as it releases carbon dioxide and potentially harmful toxins into the air. Furthermore, the average polyester product degrades over 200 years, filling landfills for centuries. As polyester breaks down, it can release harmful additives and microfibres that pollute the land, water, and air. These microfibres can be carried by the wind and deposited in various environments, including agricultural soils.
The production and use of polyester contribute significantly to air pollution through various pathways. From the extraction of petroleum to the energy-intensive manufacturing process, polyester emits substantial amounts of CO2 and other harmful compounds. The incineration of polyester releases toxins into the atmosphere, and the breakdown of polyester in landfills can result in the release of microfibres and additives that pollute the air. Additionally, the poor management of residues and wastewater can lead to air pollution through the release of harmful chemicals. Overall, the air pollution caused by polyester production and disposal has negative impacts on ecosystems and human health.
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Impact on human health
Polyester is a synthetic material derived from oil and is the most commonly used fibre worldwide. Its production is energy-intensive, requiring about 125 MJ/kg of polyester fibre, resulting in 27.2 kg of CO2 eq/kg of polyester woven fabric emission. The production process involves various chemicals, including antimony trioxide, which is suspected of causing cancer if inhaled. The dyeing process uses certain chemicals to ensure the dye adheres to the fibres, and some of these chemicals are toxic, carcinogenic, or harmful to human health. Poor management of residues along the supply chain can cause soil and water pollution, impacting the health of nearby communities.
The environmental impact of polyester contributes to the strain on ecosystems and human health. The release of microplastics and fibres during the laundry cycle pollutes the land, water, and air. While the full impact of microplastics on human health is not yet fully understood, the extent of the pollution problem indicates a potential threat. The longevity of polyester, while allowing for prolonged clothing use, also means that these garments will likely end up in landfills, where they can take hundreds of years to break down, further contributing to environmental pollution.
Textile dyeing releases heavy metals and toxins into waterways, impacting communities that rely on these water sources. Affected communities face serious health hazards, including high cancer rates, gastric problems, and skin issues. The waste from factories contaminates local rivers, fields, and drinking water sources. Additionally, water overuse in textile manufacturing exacerbates global water scarcity, limiting access to fresh water and increasing the risk of waterborne diseases and food insecurity.
The chemicals used in polyester production, especially in the dyeing and finishing processes, are linked to various health concerns. These chemicals, such as flame retardants and certain dyes, can cause skin irritation, autoimmune diseases, respiratory issues, and cancer with prolonged exposure. Even small amounts of exposure to certain chemicals, such as BPA, can lead to increased health risks. Communities near production and waste sites are particularly vulnerable to these toxins.
The social impacts of the polyester industry also extend to the workers producing the material. The high cost and time pressures imposed on the supply chain can result in poor working conditions, long hours, and low pay. Some workers face hazardous working environments due to unsafe buildings or a lack of safety equipment. The discharge of untreated wastewater from factories further contributes to local pollution, affecting both the environment and the health of nearby residents.
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Greenhouse gas emissions
The production of polyester is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The process is energy-intensive, requiring up to 125 MJ/kg of polyester fibre, resulting in 27.2 kg of CO2 eq/kg of polyester woven fabric emission. This amounts to 119.59 kg of CO2 emitted for every 100 kg of virgin polyester produced. To put this into perspective, two square metres of polyester fabric is equivalent to 164.9 cubic metres of CO2 gas, or 6.4 kg of emissions per garment. For comparison, a cotton shirt produces 9.5 pounds of carbon, while a polyester shirt produces 12.1 pounds.
The energy required to produce polyester contributes significantly to its greenhouse gas emissions. The production process involves extracting and refining crude oil to generate the building blocks for PET (oil-based polyethylene terephthalate), which is then converted into polyester fibres and fabrics. This energy-intensive process results in high emissions of CO2.
Additionally, the poor management of residues along the supply chain can cause soil and water pollution, further contributing to environmental issues. Untreated production wastewater is often discharged by factories, polluting local rivers and water supplies. The strong chemicals and dyes used in polyester production can have adverse effects on human health and the environment when released into water sources.
The use of polyester clothing also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Washing polyester releases microplastic fibres, which are a form of microplastics. These microfibres are shed during the laundry cycle and can be released into the environment, contributing to water and plastic pollution. It is estimated that a single laundry load of polyester clothes can discharge up to 700,000 microplastic fibres, with the majority released during the first few washes.
The recycling of polyester can also result in greenhouse gas emissions. While recycled polyester is an alternative to virgin polyester production, reducing CO2 emissions by 75%, the recycling process itself can be energy-intensive and generate emissions. Additionally, PET degrades with each recycling cycle, limiting its reusability.
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Frequently asked questions
Making polyester creates a lot of pollution. The production process is energy-intensive, requiring as much as 125 MJ/kg of polyester fibre, resulting in 27.2 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent per kg of polyester woven fabric emission.
The creation of polyester requires a lot of oil—70 million barrels were used in 2022. As a non-renewable resource, oil is a significant source of pollution. Additionally, the wastewater from polyester factories often contains untreated chemicals and dyes, which pollute local rivers.
Polyester is a synthetic fabric that sheds microfibers, a form of microplastics, throughout its lifecycle. These microplastics are released into the environment during the manufacturing, wearing, and washing of polyester clothing. They eventually make their way into our oceans, where they contribute to plastic pollution and threaten marine life and human health.
