A Comparative Study: The effect of recycled polyester on fibre fragmentation
June 2023
A small-scale study into the effect of recycled polyester on fibre fragmentation in finished fabrics.
Summary
The use of recycled polyester (rPET) has been steadily growing across the industry. When new materials are adopted, it is vital to consider their impact holistically and ensure they are not causing unintended, invisible consequences. As a result, we conducted a small-scale study of the effect of recycled polyester fibres on fibre fragmentation in finished fabrics.
Reasons to download:
Summarise previous work on the release of fibre fragments from recycled polyester.
Outline recycling methods such as chemical and mechanical.
Provide information on how recycled polyester affects fibre fragmentation.
Provide information on the effect that recycling methods have on fibre fragmentation.
Highlight knowledge gaps and areas for further investigation.
Key Takeaways
There was no significant difference found in microfibre loss between those fabrics formed from virgin polyester and those made from recycled polyester.
There was some indication that chemically recycled polyester fabrics shed differently to virgin polyester fabrics.
Fabric structure may have a greater influence than recycling methods on fibre fragmentation.
Moving from virgin polyester to recycled polyester has benefits, it will not in itself lead to a reduction in microfibre loss.
Key Glossary Terms
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