Polyester is one of the most widely used fibers in clothing today, and conventional polyester is made from fossil fuels. At Soul Flower, we prefer natural and lower-impact fibers like organic cotton and hemp whenever they make sense for a garment. But sometimes polyester adds qualities we want, like durability, shape retention, softness, and quicker drying.
When we use polyester in Soul Flower Brand clothing, we choose recycled polyester rather than virgin polyester whenever possible. Our recycled polyester is made from recycled plastic, including plastic bottles, which gives existing material another use instead of creating the fiber from new fossil-based resources.
But recycled polyester isn't perfect. It is still a synthetic, plastic-based fiber, and synthetic fabrics can shed tiny fibers during wear and washing that can contribute to microplastic pollution. That's an important part of the conversation, too. For us, using recycled polyester is about making a better choice when polyester serves a purpose, not claiming that plastic is a perfect solution.
Why We Use Recycled Polyester
1. It makes soft, durable fabric blends
Blending recycled polyester with fibers like organic cotton can give a garment added durability, shape retention, crease resistance, drape, and faster drying time. The fibers also take dye differently, which can create the soft, heathered look found in some of our favorite tees and other clothing.
2. It gives existing plastic another use
Recycled polyester can be made from existing plastic materials such as beverage bottles. The plastic is collected, cleaned and processed into material that can be spun into new fiber and made into fabric.
Turning existing plastic into clothing doesn't make the plastic disappear, and it isn't the same as creating a completely circular system. But when polyester is needed, using recycled material can reduce demand for virgin polyester made directly from new fossil-based resources.
3. It reduces our reliance on virgin polyester
Virgin polyester begins with new fossil-based raw materials. Recycled polyester starts with material that already exists. Choosing recycled polyester when we need the performance of a synthetic fiber helps us reduce our reliance on newly produced fossil-based polyester.
That's the part that matters most to us. We aren't trying to replace natural fibers with plastic. We're trying to make a more thoughtful material choice when polyester has a useful role in a garment.
4. It can help clothing last
One reason polyester is used in clothing is durability. Adding recycled polyester to a fabric blend can help garments hold their shape and stand up to repeated wear and washing. Making clothes that you'll want to wear again and again is an important part of how we think about sustainability.
5. We're always looking for better materials
Our approach to sustainable clothing has never been about claiming that one fiber is perfect. Different materials have different benefits and tradeoffs. We continue to love organic cotton, hemp, and other natural fibers, while using recycled polyester where its durability and performance make sense.
As textile recycling technology improves, we're especially excited about the possibility of more old clothing being recycled into new clothing. For now, choosing recycled polyester instead of virgin polyester is one way we can make a more mindful choice when we use synthetic fibers.
What About Microplastics?
We think it's important to be transparent about this part. Recycled polyester is still polyester, and polyester is a type of plastic. Like other synthetic fabrics, it can release tiny fibers during washing and wear. These microfibers can make their way into waterways and the environment.
That's one reason we don't view recycled polyester as the answer to every clothing need. We use it thoughtfully, often blended with fibers like organic cotton, and continue looking for ways to improve the materials we use. Washing clothing less often, washing full loads, using cooler and gentler cycles, and keeping clothing in use longer can also help reduce its overall impact.
Learn More About Recycled Plastic at Soul Flower
Want to know more about how we use recycled materials? Visit our Recycled Plastic at Soul Flower page to learn more about our approach to recycled fibers and eco-friendly clothing.
Sources & Further Reading
A New Textiles Economy: Redesigning Fashion's Future | Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Polyester and Recycled Polyester | Textile Exchange
Materials Market Report | Textile Exchange
Polyester Life Cycle Assessment | Textile Exchange
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