What is the Difference Between Polyester and Recycled Polyester? Why Do So Many People Use Recycled Polyester?

I. Definitions of Recycled Polyester and Polyester

Both recycled polyester and polyester are types of synthetic fibers. Polyester is made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and is known for its durability, heat resistance, and color stability, making it widely used in clothing, home textiles, and industrial products. Recycled polyester, on the other hand, is made from recycled PET plastic bottles and textiles. It can be reused, reducing consumption of natural resources and environmental pollution, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly fiber.

II. Differences Between Recycled Polyester and Polyester

1. Different Raw Materials: Polyester is produced using fresh PET, whereas recycled polyester is made from recycled plastic bottles and textiles.

2. Different Production Methods: Polyester is synthesized through chemical reactions, while recycled polyester undergoes a process that includes collection, crushing, washing, grinding, and melting, which is more costly and technically challenging than regular polyester production.

3. Different Properties: Recycled polyester has higher wear resistance and durability, excellent moisture absorption and sweat-wicking properties, and is also soft and tactile, making it an ideal choice for high-quality fabrics. Although polyester also has durability and heat resistance, its overall performance is somewhat inferior.

   
   

III. The Future of Recycled Polyester

As awareness of environmental issues continues to grow, the prospects for recycled polyester are expanding. Recycled polyester is not only used in textiles but also in automotive interiors, home decor, and industrial yarns. Because it can be recycled and reduces carbon emissions by 60% and water consumption by 91% compared to traditional textiles, more brands and consumers are choosing products made from recycled polyester.

In summary, recycled polyester and polyester are two different synthetic fibers that vary significantly in terms of raw materials, production methods, and properties. Recycled polyester is an environmentally friendly, sustainable fiber with a wide range of applications and significant market potential.

From 'Recycled Fabrics' to 'Recycled Apparel': The Supply Chain is Becoming Clearer

But is the widely popular "recycled fabric" truly suitable for every company and every market? Clearly, it is not.

Limited National Acceptance and Market for Recycled Fabrics

The rise of recycled fabrics is primarily due to the European market. With clothing consumption in the EU increasing annually and the lifespan of individual garments decreasing significantly, this has led to massive textile waste and pollution. For example, in France, the per capita clothing waste has increased by 9.5 kilograms annually, but the recycling rate was only around 36% by 2017, with the EU's overall textile recycling rate even lower, at about 20%. As a result, the EU has banned textile waste and requires member states to start specialized textile recycling by 2025 to improve reuse rates.

Currently, most orders for recycled fabrics come from EU member states or are destined for the EU market. Other countries and regions have not yet implemented policies requiring the use of recycled fabrics, meaning that for now, recycled fabrics are mostly limited to the EU market.

High Raw Material to Processing Costs, Significant Investment Required

Although the raw materials for recycled fabrics, such as plastic bottles or old garments, might seem to lower costs because they are "cheap" waste, this is not actually the case. Recycled materials are more expensive than virgin materials, and the resulting grey fabric is naturally not cheaper. For example, common fabrics like Chunya textile or checked Dacron taffeta cost no less than 5 RMB per meter, often nearing 10 RMB per meter, which is more than 50% higher than regular grey fabric prices.

The high cost of raw materials is just one factor; internationally, recognition of recycled fabrics solely depends on having a "GRS" certificate, and every step from raw materials, weaving, dyeing, trading, to garment processing requires this certificate. The application for a "GRS" certificate involves many inspections, is not cheap, and its validity is only one year. A typical trader's annual expense to maintain this certificate is about 50,000 RMB, with various processing plants spending even more.