Changes
From TEKOWiki
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.
==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.
== Potential impacts ==
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.
