Curious About Recycled Polyester? Let’s Debunk Some Myths

December 15, 2023
ERP-PROCESS

"In the progress of science, all the wonders of the future will become the commonplaces of the present." - Ayn Rand

Circular fashion. Greenwashing. Sustainable fibres. Post-consumer plastic. Recycled polyester. Eco-friendly practices. Economies of scale. Post-industrial waste. Transparency. Textile recycling. Carbon footprint. Virgin polyester. Fast fashion. Closed-loop systems. In a world where sustainable fashion has developed from a trendy term to a convincing call for action, several channels have been opened to facilitate the drive for a greener future.

But are these concepts merely fleeting trends or are they transformative agents of change? To explore the transformative potential held within these terms and truly grasp the significance of Recycled Polyester in eco-fashion, it is crucial to dispel the misconceptions surrounding it.

Myth 1: Recycled Polyester Compromise Quality

Contrary to popular belief, recycled polyester fibre stands toe-to-toe with its virgin counterpart in both durability and performance. Indian brands like FabIndia have included recycled polyester yarn in their product lines, proving that sustainability doesn't mean sacrificing quality. Fabindia's 'Shunya' collection showcases environmentally conscious design, featuring rugs and chairs crafted from recycled PET yarn, turning discarded plastic bottles into sustainable and stylish pieces.

ERP-PROCESS

Myth 2: Recycled Polyester is Hard to Come By

The growth of eco-friendly alternatives has prodded many Indian brands to shift towards sustainable practices. Arvind Mills, for instance, has incorporated recycled polyester in their denim production, showcasing the supply of recycled polyester in the Indian market. This initiative not only highlights the availability of the material but also signals a shift towards a circular fashion economy. Bigwigs like Reliance Industries Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail, Future Group, and Raymond Limited are actively adopting recycled polyester. This trend reflects a broader industry movement towards eco-friendly alternatives and a commitment to building a circular fashion economy in India.

Myth 3: Recycled Polyester is Not Cost-Effective

Challenging the misconception about the high costs of recycled polyester, its economic potential is developing rapidly due to the increasing adoption by Indian brands. Notably, Welspun India's commitment to sustainable solutions has channelised economies of scale. Through strategic investments in advanced technologies and optimised supply chains, Welspun India exemplifies how large-scale adoption contributes to the diminishing cost barriers associated with eco-friendly choices.

ERP-PROCESS

Myth 4: Recycled Polyester Doesn't Make a Difference

Every small change contributes to a larger impact. Adidas has made substantial progress by creating millions of pairs of shoes using recycled polyester. This not only lessens the demand for new polyester but owing to its position as a market leader, also sends out a strong message to the industry about embracing positive change. It underlines how each strand of recycled polyester utilised moves us closer to a future marked by sustainability and accountability.

Myth 5: Recycled Polyester is Just a Greenwashing Tactic

While greenwashing remains a concern in the industry, several Indian brands are genuinely committed to sustainable practices. Take, for instance, Lindström, which has incorporated recycled polyester fibre in its textile production, setting a precedent and challenging others to prioritise authenticity and transparency in their sustainability efforts rather than using recycled polyester as a mere marketing ploy.

ERP-PROCESS

In essence, beyond being just another material choice, recycled polyester symbolises progress and ingenuity at its core—a manifestation echoed by Ayn Rand's insightful words about futuristic marvels becoming commonplace today; thus highlighting how recycled polyester represents this shift within the sustainable fashion industry.

By debunking myths surrounding recycled polyester, we promote wider acceptance among individuals and businesses toward this environmentally friendly option. The groundbreaking efforts of forward-thinking companies like JB Ecotex, one of the leading Recycle Polyester Staple Fibre (RPSF) manufacturers in India, through high-quality recycled PET products such as Recycled Polyester Staple Fibre, chemically recycled B2B rPET resins, textile-grade rPET resins and rPET flakes, showcase how transformative adopting sustainable choices can be.