About the popularity of Polyester and the hidden fame of rPET, our new ifelt frame material.
According to various studies and the fact that fast fashion would not exist to its contemporary extent without it, Polyester makes up for 60 percent of textile fibers. The advantages of Polyester: It is relatively tear-resistant and textiles made of polyester keep their shape for a long time - perfect conditions for upholstery.
The problem with polyester
Polyester is based on petroleum and therefore a non-renewable resource. Since reserves are limited, oil producers are increasingly extracting oil from so-called unconventional sources, such as oil sands. Gigantic areas of forest are therefore destroyed to extract the raw material. Processing the oil is also energy-intensive and uses a lot of water. Large quantities of toxic liquids resulting from oil production end up in rivers and bodies of water and even in groundwater.
The big problem about clothing made with polyester fibers: Tiny fibers keep coming out. When washed, these tiny fibers end up in wastewater as microplastics.
Everything deserves a second chance 🌱
Recycled polyester is commonly known as rPET. It is obtained by melting down plastics (e.g. PET bottles, fisher nets) and converting them to polyester fibers. The production of recycled polyester uses fewer resources than new fibers and generates fewer carbon emissions. On top it prevents plastics from ending up in landfills and the ocean - recycled polyester gives a second life to a material that is not biodegradable and would otherwise end up in landfills or the ocean.
ifelts framing material is made of PET bottles 🤍
The main part of our ifelt product is made from old garment, so far so good. But what about the wrapping fabric?
It truly is challenging - especially in the textile industry - to choose second-life material of high quality and low carbon footprint. Nevertheless it is super important to set the tone!
We did by choosing our ifelt framing material to be made of rPET, in specific second-life Polyester made from PET-bottles 💫
Our supplier for the wrapping fabric is based in Germany and sources its raw material from textile plants based in the EU.
We will launch our new collection of materials very soon. Stay tuned and healthy.
🤍 ifelt