Research says recycled polyester is more polluting than virgin polyester

A new study undermines the sustainability reputation of recycled polyester (rPET), a material that the fashion industry has positioned as an ecological alternative for years. During washing, rPET emits significantly more microplastics than virgin polyester.

Large-scale polyester fraud?

The researchers found that recycled polyester releases as much as 55% more microplastic particles than virgin polyester. What’s more, the particles released are 20% smaller, making them easier to spread in soil, air, and water. This means that the environmental impact is greater than previously assumed, according to a study by Çukurova University in Turkey, published by the NGO Changing Markets. The NGO points out that microplastics can now be found almost everywhere on earth, including in living organisms.