Polyester
Also known as: PES, Polyethylene terephthalate, PET fibre
Fully synthetic chemical fibre from petroleum with high dimensional stability and low moisture absorption.
Description
Polyester is by far the most produced textile fibre worldwide and dominates sportswear, outdoor and workwear. Chemically it is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), produced from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol via melt spinning into continuous filaments or staple fibres.
The fibre is extremely tear-resistant, dimensionally stable, low-crease and dries quickly because it barely absorbs moisture. These properties make polyester ideal for functional wear, uniforms, high-visibility vests and fleece. Blended with cotton (polycotton) or wool, polyester improves easy care and durability.
- High tensile strength and abrasion resistance
- Quick drying, hardly absorbent
- Resistant to many chemicals and UV
- Recyclable into rPET
Production is energy-intensive and petroleum-based; microplastic shedding during washing is an ecological drawback. Recycled variants from PET bottles (rPET) and mechanically or chemically recycled textile waste are therefore gaining significant importance.
Properties
| Fibre type | Fully synthetic (PET) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Petroleum / natural gas |
| Moisture absorption | approx. 0.4 % |
| Typical use | Sports, work and outdoor wear |
Related product categories
Sources & references
3- Wikipedia: Polyester Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyester
- Textile Exchange – Polyester Textile Exchange https://textileexchange.org/knowledge-center/reports/preferred-fiber-and-materials/
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 OEKO-TEX Association https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-standards/oeko-tex-standard-100
