Fashion for the Earth: The Devil Wears Polyester

Fashion for the Earth: The Devil Wears Polyester

Take a moment to examine your closet. You’ll likely find that much of your wardrobe is made from polyester, a synthetic fiber that has become the most widely used material in clothing today.

Polyester’s journey began in the 1920s, with research into synthetic fibers. By 1941, the main component of polyester, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), was patented, and DuPont Chemicals acquired the rights to produce it. Polyester quickly gained popularity due to its durability, lightweight nature, and resistance to water and fire, not to mention its affordability. It wasn’t long before blending polyester with natural fibers like cotton became standard practice in garment production.

Today, nearly 70% of our clothing is made from polyester and other synthetic fibers. While this versatile material has revolutionized fashion by making clothing more accessible and affordable, it comes with significant environmental and social drawbacks.

The Hidden Costs of Polyester

Polyester’s primary issue lies in its origins—it’s derived from oil, a non-renewable fossil fuel. The environmental impact of polyester extends beyond its oil-based production. The fabric is notorious for releasing toxic dyes and microfibers into the environment, and the carbon emissions from clothing factories are substantial. Moreover, polyester production often takes place in developing countries, where poor working conditions and environmental degradation are prevalent. Let’s explore the environmental footprint of polyester more closely.

The Environmental Impact

Polyester is made from a blend of chemicals extracted from petroleum, including ethylene and p-xylene, which are combined with dimethyl terephthalate to form PET. Each year, approximately 342 million barrels of oil are used to produce plastic-based fibers like polyester. At its core, polyester is deeply intertwined with fossil fuels, making it unsustainable and environmentally damaging.

Beyond the fossil fuel consumption required to produce polyester, the manufacturing process itself is harmful. Factories that produce polyester contribute to air pollution and emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases. The fashion industry is responsible for over 700 million tons of CO2 emissions annually.

China, the world’s largest exporter of textiles, released an estimated 18.5 billion tons of greenhouse gases in 2020, largely because the country’s energy production still relies heavily on coal. The soot generated by coal-fired plants pollutes the air in surrounding communities, leading to increased rates of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases among both workers and residents.

The dyeing process for polyester is equally harmful to human health and the environment. Today, 90% of clothing is dyed with synthetic chemicals. This process requires large quantities of water and chemicals, which many factories discharge directly into local waterways without proper treatment. This pollution has been linked to higher cancer rates in nearby populations, and workers face daily exposure to toxic dyes, chemicals, and heavy metals, putting their health at serious risk.

Conclusion

While polyester has enabled the rise of affordable and durable fashion, its environmental and social costs are too significant to ignore. As consumers, it’s crucial to be aware of the impact our clothing choices have on the planet and the people who make our garments. By understanding the true cost of polyester, we can make more informed decisions and support more sustainable fashion practices