Sustainability Column
The benefits of recycled polyester labels
Jeff Keam, director at Asquith, shares his knowledge on recycled polyester labels and how they can help reinforce your brand’s green credentials.
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ustainability has become an integral part of our lives, influencing our choices as consumers and businesses alike. As we strive to minimise our impact on the environment, one area that has gained considerable attention is the fashion industry.
With the growing demand for eco- friendly clothing, brands are turning to innovative solutions, one of which is recycled polyester labels. So, let’s delve into the world of recycled polyester labels, exploring their benefits, production process, and their role in promoting sustainability.
Benefits of Recycled Polyester Labels:
Resource Conservation: By utilising post-consumer and post-industrial waste, recycled polyester labels help reduce the demand for virgin polyester, conserving valuable resources and minimising the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
Understanding Recycled Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fabric widely used in the fashion industry due to its durability, versatility, and affordability. However, the production of conventional polyester involves the extraction of non- renewable resources and significant energy consumption, contributing to environmental degradation. Recycled polyester, on the other hand, offers a more sustainable alternative. Recycled polyester is made from post-consumer plastic waste, such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles, as well as post-industrial waste from manufacturing processes. These materials are collected, cleaned, and processed into small chips or pellets. The chips are then melted and spun into yarns, which can be woven to create various textile products, including labels.
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Energy Efficiency: The production of recycled polyester requires significantly less energy compared to conventional polyester. Studies suggest that recycled polyester uses around 59% less energy and reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 32% compared to virgin polyester production. Waste Reduction: By transforming plastic waste into useful products, recycled polyester labels contribute to waste reduction and help combat the problem of plastic pollution. It provides an effective solution to divert plastic from landfills and oceans.
Versatility and Performance: Recycled polyester labels exhibit the same properties as conventional polyester labels. They are durable, lightweight, resistant to wrinkles, and retain colour well. This makes them a practical and sustainable choice for fashion brands.
Production Process:
Collection: Plastic bottles and other waste materials, including polyester fabric scraps, are collected from recycling centres, waste management facilities, and sometimes even directly from consumers.
Sorting and Cleaning: The collected waste is sorted based on colour and material
type. Labels and caps are removed from bottles, and contaminants are eliminated. The remaining plastic is thoroughly cleaned to ensure the removal of any impurities. Shredding and Melting: The cleaned plastic is shredded into small flakes or pellets. These pellets are then melted down at high temperatures to form a liquid polymer. Spinning and Extrusion: The liquid polymer is extruded through fine holes to create thin filaments. These filaments are stretched and cooled to form continuous yarns. Weaving: The yarns are woven or into fabric, which is then cut and transformed into labels. The labels can be customized with brand logos, care instructions, and other necessary information.
Promoting Sustainability through Recycled Polyester Labels: Recycled polyester labels are not only an environmentally friendly choice but also serve as a powerful tool for brands to communicate their commitment to sustainability. By prominently displaying recycled polyester labels on their products, fashion brands can raise awareness among consumers and encourage them to make conscious purchasing decisions.
Additionally, brands can incorporate storytelling on these labels, sharing information about the recycled content and the positive environmental impact achieved through their use. This transparency helps build trust and loyalty among consumers who are increasingly seeking sustainable options.
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