Polyester is a versatile synthetic fibre that is easy to care for. But it also uses large amounts of energy to produce, is based on non-renewable petroleum and it is non-biodegradable.

Whilst we see a role for polyester as a key fibre in the near term - as our second most important fibre in terms of volue, these characteristics mean that we need to make every effort to minimise its negative impacts as well as investigate alternative fibres for long-term viability.

We can reduce the impact of polyester by increasing our use of recycled polyester made from waste products such as plastic bottles and leftover fabric.

FINDING SOLUTIONS TO MICROPLASTICS

Ultimately, as a petroleum-based product, polyester is not biodegradable and will persist in ecosystems even as it eventually breaks apart. Polyester fabric – whether recycled or not – can contribute to microplastic pollution as tiny fibres enter the water system from washing clothes.

This is a topic we are closely monitoring, and which we are addressing through our partnerships with e.g. Fashion For Good initiatives and through Invest FWD investments in innovative and alternative fibres.

 

Projects

To support the development of alternatives to polyester, we also joined Fashion for Good’s Full Circle Textiles Project for polyester.

The project aims to scale promising chemical recycling options for polyester, as well as their Renewable Carbon Textiles Project, which prioritises PHA polymer fibres.

Our Innovation Lab joined the innovative ReSuit project – led by Danish Technological Institute. With ReSuit, we are working with various stakeholders to help establish a textile industry in Denmark that can facilitate the recycling of all textile waste.

Invest FWD has invested in Ambercycle, an American company specialising in polyester recycling. They have developed a pioneering process for used polyester textiles that separates and purifies post-consumer textile waste at the molecular level to produce regenerated materials that can be crafted into new garments.

Go to Materials overview

Cotton is one of our most important raw materials. It is a renewable material and the cultivation and production of cotton creates jobs and improves the lives of millions of people globally. However, it also has a significant impact on the planet and people engaged depending on the farming method. For this reason, we have committed to source 100 percent certified and branded cotton.

Click to learn more.

Man-made cellulosics (MMC) more commonly known as Viscose, Lyocell and Modal, and are made of dissolved pulp, usually sourced from wood. We’re partnering with the environmental organisation Canopy, developed a Forest Protection Policy and are tracing the wood pulp sources in our supply chain.

Click to learn more.

In order to become more circular, we are exploring and already using alternative fibre options. Innovation in textiles is strategically important for BESTSELLER and through Invest FWD and our involvement in Fashion for Good, we will explore innovative material solutions and help bring them to scale. Click to learn more.

At BESTSELLER, we have taken a strong stance on Animal Welfare. Animals must not be harmed for the manufacturing of our products.

Click to learn more and download our Animal Welfare Policy.

We’re continuously evaluating, testing and adopting innovative solutions within textile recycling. Meanwhile our brands are working to increase their sourcing of recycled fibres.

Click to learn more about our goals and projects.

Climate Impact Preparing for a circular future Supporting the people in our supply chain Certified and branded materials