Tag: polyester and skin health

At Runway Recycled, our mission is grounded in promoting sustainability through fashion. We pride ourselves on rescuing, beautiful garments from landfills and extending their life cycles by giving them a second chance to shine. However, as we continue to acquire pieces from fashion shows red carpet, events, boutiques, and even couture brands, we are confronted with a growing challenge: The prevalence of polyester.

This durable, versatile material may dominate the global fashion industry, but it’s impacting our planet, and our health is deeply concerning. Despite our preference for natural fibers, polyester garments – whether from fast fashion, bridal or high-end couture – are increasingly our inventory. This dilemma forces us to reconcile to truth:

1. Keeping textiles out of landfills is essential for environmental sustainability.
2. Polyester is neither good for the planet nor our bodies.

The Hidden Cost of Polyester

Polyester, a synthetic fiber, derived from petroleum, is a cornerstone of modern fashion. It is lightweight, durable, and inexpensive to produce, making it a popular choice for designers and manufacturers. However, these benefits come at a high cost.

• Environmental Impact: Polyester productions, require significant energy and releases, greenhouse gases. It is estimated that producing 1 kg of polyester emits 5.5 kg of carbon monoxide. Furthermore, polyester garment shed, micro plastics with every wash, contributing to the 14,000,000 tons of micro plastics currently polluting our oceans (Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation).
• Non-Biodegradability: Polyester tastes 20 to 200 years to decompose, meaning that every polyester garment ever made still your thoughts on this complex issue. This creates a long-term waste problem that directly contradict sustainability goals.
• Health Concerns: Polyester does not breathe, like natural fiber, such as cotton, silk, or wool. It traps heat and moisture, which can irritate the skin and contribute to allergic reactions. Additionally, some study suggest that prolonged exposure to synthetic fabrics may have adverse effects on our largest organ – the skin.

Struggling With The Mission

At Runway Recycled, we are committed to reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices. Yet, the abundance of polyester garment challenges, this mission. While rescuing these items align with our goal of preventing landfill waste, it also height highlights the need for systematic change in the fashion industry.

This internal struggle is one I face regularly. As a curator of eco-chic, formal wear, and bridal pieces, I grapple with whether promoting and reselling polyester garments, ultimately aligns with our values. At the same time, I realize that reusing and recycling is a step towards a more sustainable future – no matter the material.

The Road Ahead: Education and Advocacy

Our approach at Runway Recycled is not just to sell garments, but to educate and inspire change. Here’s how we can move forward:

1. Raise Awareness: By sharing the environmental and health impacts of polyester, we can encourage consumer to make more informed choices.
2. Promote Natural Fibers: We can prioritize garments made from natural, sustainable materials, showcasing their benefits over synthetic.
3. Advocate for Change: The fashion industry needs to reduce its reliance on synthetic fibers. By supporting brands and designers committed to sustainability, we can influence trends and demand greater accountability.
4. Innovate Recycling Solutions: Polyester is here to stay, but innovation in textile recycling can help mitigate its environmental footprint. Supporting research and development in this area is critical.

A Call to Action

While polyester presents undeniable challenges, it also presents an opportunity to spark meaningful conversations about sustainability. Let’s educate ourselves, advocate for systematic changes, and continue to find innovative ways to repurpose and extend the life of garments.

At Runway Recycled, we remain committed to doing our part, even when face with dilemmas. Together, we can create a future, where fashion is both beautiful and sustainable – for our planet and for our bodies.

Share Your Thoughts:

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this complex issue. How do you balance the need for sustainability with the reality of synthetic fabrics? Share your ideas and solutions in the comments below!

Sources:

Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2017 Nov. 27) A new textiles economy: redesigning fashion’s future.

Unric (2024 Dec. 17). From petroleum to pollution: the cost of polyester.

Lea Daulan. (2018 May 3). Chemicals in textiles and the health implications.

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Textiles and health.