Polyester & Recycled Polyester - Revision history

MichaelaRudolph: /* Biopolymer fibres */

2015-05-04T09:13:22Z

‎Biopolymer fibres

MichaelaRudolph: /* Manufacturing */

2015-04-17T08:27:56Z

‎Manufacturing

MichaelaRudolph: /* Potential impacts */

2015-04-17T08:23:11Z

‎Potential impacts

MichaelaRudolph at 08:20, 17 April 2015

2015-04-17T08:20:12Z

MichaelaRudolph: /* Chemical recycling */

2015-04-17T08:14:28Z

‎Chemical recycling

MichaelaRudolph at 08:13, 17 April 2015

2015-04-17T08:13:59Z

MichaelaRudolph at 08:13, 17 April 2015

2015-04-17T08:13:24Z

MichaelaRudolph: /* Innovation opportunities */

2015-04-17T08:06:15Z

‎Innovation opportunities

MichaelaRudolph: /* Innovation opportunities */

2015-04-17T08:05:25Z

‎Innovation opportunities

MichaelaRudolph: /* Marketing opportunities */

2015-04-17T08:04:27Z

‎Marketing opportunities

@@ Line 108: / Line 108: @@
 == Alternatives to virgin polyester ==
-=== Biopolymer fibres ===
+=== Biopolymer fibers ===
 ==== Polylactide (PLA) ====
 Polylactide (PLA) is a renewable thermoplastic and a polymer. It is derived from the starch of plants such as corn, sugar cane and sugar beet. PLA is biodegradable, as it decays as a result of exposure to heat and moisture. It decomposes forming carbon dioxide and water, which present no danger to the environment.[16][17]

@@ Line 9: / Line 9: @@
 ==Manufacturing ==
-PET made from ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. From that polymer, fibers are made by a [[melt-spinning]] process, mostly in a continuous line with both the polymerization and melt spinning. The high speed at the [[spinning]] process requires the use of lubricants (spinning oils). They are commonly made of mineral oil with the addition of surfactants to facilitate the washing-out process when dyeing. In order to avoid that the fiber turns glassy (shiny) a matting agent in the form of titanium oxide, or silicates are added, also optical brighteners are added. For the polymerization one needs small amounts of metal catalysts and at the end of polymerization one also needs a “catalyst-poison” in order to get the correct chain lengths.
+PET is made from ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. From that polymer, fibers are made by a [[melt-spinning]] process, mostly in a continuous line with both the polymerization and melt spinning. The high speed at the [[spinning]] process requires the use of lubricants (spinning oils). They are commonly made of mineral oil with the addition of surfactants to facilitate the washing-out process when dyeing. In order to avoid that the fiber turns glassy (shiny) a matting agent in the form of titanium dioxide, or silicates are added, also optical brighteners are added. For the polymerization one needs small amounts of metal catalysts and at the end of polymerization one also needs a “catalyst-poison” in order to get the correct chain lengths.
 == Potential impacts ==

@@ Line 16: / Line 16: @@
 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
+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.
+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.

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 Polyester’s positive attributes for clothing lie mostly in the consumer use phase of its lifecycle, which accounts for 50-80% of a polyester garment’s total ecological footprint. Polyester garments are generally washed in cold water and drip-dried, thereby minimizing water and energy use associated with garment care.[4]
 In comparison to other synthetic fibres, there is currently more research and innovation when it comes to sustainability and improving polyester’s environmental impact.
 == Potential impacts ==
@@ Line 16: / Line 20: @@
 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.
 Europe meets its oil consumption/needs by importing from foreign sources: 41% from the Russian Federation, 26% from Africa, 16% from the Middle East—14% comes from Europe—thus requiring transportation over long distances.[8][9] Fuel released by vehicles used to transport the oil causes pollution and CO2 emissions.

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:14, 17 April 2015
Line 49:		Line 49:

	Teijin recently established a joint venture with one of China’s largest fibre producers, bringing the manufacture of chemically processed recycled polyester to China.[15]		Teijin recently established a joint venture with one of China’s largest fibre producers, bringing the manufacture of chemically processed recycled polyester to China.[15]
		+

	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:13, 17 April 2015
Line 30:		Line 30:

	Discarded polyester products increase load on landfills, contribute to water contamination and possibly toxic emissions into the air.[11] According to a study done by Mark Browne, an ecologist at University College Dublin, microscopic fragments of polyester, acrylic, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyamide have been discovered in increasing quantities across the northeast Atlantic, as well as on beaches in Britain, Singapore and India. A chemical analysis revealed that nearly 80% of the filaments contained polyester or acrylic.[12]		Discarded polyester products increase load on landfills, contribute to water contamination and possibly toxic emissions into the air.[11] According to a study done by Mark Browne, an ecologist at University College Dublin, microscopic fragments of polyester, acrylic, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyamide have been discovered in increasing quantities across the northeast Atlantic, as well as on beaches in Britain, Singapore and India. A chemical analysis revealed that nearly 80% of the filaments contained polyester or acrylic.[12]
−

	== Alternatives to virgin polyester ==		== Alternatives to virgin polyester ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:13, 17 April 2015
Line 166:		Line 166:

	8. Get your product Cradle to Cradle Certified. The Cradle to Cradle CertifiedTM Product Standard is a multi-attribute, continuous improvement methodology that provides a path to manufacturing healthy and sustainable products. The Standard rewards achievement in five categories and at five levels of certification. An accredited assessor will help to assess and optimize your product.		8. Get your product Cradle to Cradle Certified. The Cradle to Cradle CertifiedTM Product Standard is a multi-attribute, continuous improvement methodology that provides a path to manufacturing healthy and sustainable products. The Standard rewards achievement in five categories and at five levels of certification. An accredited assessor will help to assess and optimize your product.
−
−	~~==Company opportunities==~~

	==Sources==		==Sources==
		+	# https://www.indotextiles.com/download/Fibre%20Year%202009_10.pdf
		+	# https://www.swicofil.com/pes.html
		+	# https://www.nyfashioncenterfabrics.com/polyester-fabric-info.html
		+	# https://www.ecouterre.com/could-polyester-be-the-next-eco-friendly-fabric/
		+	# makewealthhistory.org/2010/06/11/how-much-oil-is-there-left-really/
		+	# https://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jun/09/sir-david-king-dwindling-oil-supplies
		+	# Athleta Webinar: “Textile Fibres & Sustainability.” Charlene Ducas. October 29, 2012
		+	# “Monthly and cumulated Crude Oil Imports (volumes and prices) by EU and non EU country,” 2012.
		+	# ec.europa.eu/energy/observatory/oil/import_export_en.htm
		+	# Grose, Lynda and Kate Fletcher. Fashion & Sustainability: Design for Change. London: Laurence King Publishing Ltd, 2012.
		+	# https://www.epa.gov/ttnchie1/le/acrylon.pdf
		+	# https://www.ecouterre.com/is-synthetic-clothing-causing-microplastic-pollution-in-oceans-worldwide/
		+	# The Textile Dyer, “Concern over Recycled Polyester,” May 13, 2008,
		+	# oecotextiles.wordpress.com/2009/07/14/why-is-recycled-polyester-considered-a-sustainable-textile/#_ftn6
		+	# https://www.teijin.co.jp/english/news/2012/ebd120809.html
		+	# textileexchange.org/sites/default/files/eco_fibre.pdf
		+	# https://www.technologystudent.com/joints/pla1.html
		+	# Boh, Richard. Personal Interview. 25 February 2014.
		+	# https://www.OEKO-TEK.com/media/downloads/Factsheet_OETS_100_EN.pdf
		+	# http://www.teijin.com/products/chemicals/hmf.html
		+	# http://www.jmcatalysts.com/pct/news2.asp?newsid=65

@@ Line 158: / Line 158: @@
 . Investigate alternative technologies for colouring polyester fabrics, such as AirDye, which eliminates water from the dyeing process.[17] Explore unique aesthetics achieved from using this process.
 ==Company opportunities==
 ==Sources==

@@ Line 145: / Line 145: @@
 ==Marketing opportunities==
 ==Innovation opportunities==
 ==Company opportunities==
 ==Sources==