Environmental Footprints of Recycled Polyester by Unknown

Environmental Footprints of Recycled Polyester by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9789811395789
Publisher: Springer Singapore


Keywords

Closed loop recyclingOpen loop recyclingVirgin hollow polyesterRecycled hollow polyesterFunctional pillows

1 Introduction

Polyester is an all time favorite of many consumers due to its inherent properties like durability, wrinkle resistance, quick drying nature and easy maintenance. It is a popular choice in fashion as it provides all the qualities essential for apparel and is easily available for producing all types of fabrics from casual wear to formal/functional wear due to its ability to blend with any type of fibers. This fiber was invented by the English researchers of the Imperial Chemical Industries in 1940 and DuPont purchased the rights and started production of Dacron Polyester in 1953 [1]. The fiber was considered as a wonder fiber and was advertised as a ‘miracle fiber that could be worn for 68 days straight without ironing and still look presentable’ [2]. The fiber has gone through various stages of transformation to reach the high tech market that brought about a major revolution in active sportswear and swim wear. The endorsements from the Manmade Fiber Association and the Council of Fashion Designers with members like Oscar de la Renta, Mary Mcfadden, Perry Ellis and Calvin Klein, helped to boost the image of polyester among the public.

In 1958, a new polyester fiber Kodel was developed by Eastman Chemical Products, Inc. The polyester market grew by leaps and bounds and the industry expanded rapidly till 1970. The badly styled double knit suit [3] brought the downfall of the polyester image and was termed as the uncomfortable fabric and shunned by all. Viscose and natural fibers were opted for their comfort and coolness. The change in the consumers attitude to look out for something natural brought about the demand for cotton. Research and development have brought about new forms of polyester in the 1990s. In 1991, the emergence of polyester luxury fibers changed the trend and the industry is experiencing revival. Micro fibers enhanced the feel of polyester to resonate silk [4]. US designer Mary Mcfadden created her line of fashion garments with the new form of polyester. The North Carolina State University has undertaken research to develop a strong polyester fiber equivalent to Kevlar for bullet proof vests [4]. Studies conducted by Hoechst Fibers between 1981–83 [5] showed that 89% of the consumers were not able to differentiate between polyester and natural fibers; they were interested in the appearance of the apparel and not in the content. Polyester made from microfibers had the feel of silk which accounted for the expensive tag. This marked the new era of the polyester image.



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