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From TEKOWiki
/* Potential impacts */
Petroleum, the main ingredient in manufacturing polyester, is a non-renewable resource and mining for petroleum destroys natural habitats. That is to say that petroleum takes millions of years to form, and is currently being extracted from the earth for industrial uses faster than it can be replenished. The declining petroleum supply is the source of much debate—British Petroleum (BP) reports that there are 1,333 billion barrels still available to pump (enough for 40 years at current usage rates).[5] Other sources state that supply is overestimated and that reserves are about 30% lower than widely reported.[6]
The manufacturing process for polyester is fully chemical, energy intensive and releases greenhouse gasses into the environment.[7]In the production of polyester, the main ingredients used are terephthalic acid (TA) or dimethyl terephthalate, which are reacted with ethylene glycol, based on bromide-controlled oxidation.[7 ] The production of polyester emits emissions to air and water, which include: heavy metal cobalt; manganese salts; sodium bromide; antimony oxide; and titanium dioxide.
Antimony is of particular concern, since it is a toxic heavy metal known to cause cancer under certain circumstances and is a suspected reproductive toxin.[7] The function of antimony in the production of polyester is as a catalyst in the oxidation process. But it is not absolutely necessary for polyester production, and alternate non-antimony catalysts are available.
