2010-Synthetic Textile Innovations: Polyester Fiber-to-Fiber Recycling for the Advancement of Sustainability

Synthetic Textile Innovations: Polyester Fiber-to-Fiber Recycling for the Advancement of Sustainability

Lisa L. Hayes, Drexel University


Introduction

The fashion industry has a significant environmental and social footprint across its supply chain, putting materials at the center of the sustainable fashion discussion. Materials and material sourcing are key components to determining whether a garment can be considered “sustainable.”
Despite their origin being petrochemical based, some polyester fibers, textiles and garments have a high level of sustainability. Recently, a number of pioneering companies around the globe have begun utilizing innovative processes at each stage of production to reduce the environmental impact of the garment industry.
For example, synthetic fiber companies are employing the recovery of garments, textiles, postconsumer and post-industrial waste for recycling into new fibers. Cutting edge synthetic fiber technologies, such as fiber-to-fiber recycling, can play a major role in building a new vision for fashion sustainability while still maintaining a high level of style.