Polyester - The chemical and energy consumption of a recycled polyester jacket compared to a virgin polyester jacket.

Abstract: This thesis paper has been carried out in cooperation with the company Helly Hansen. They are providing high quality, protective technical gear for work, outdoor and sport. Helly Hansen wishes to contribute to sustaining the nature and minimizing climate change so future generations can enjoy outdoors. This project was set up because they want to know how sustainable a recycled polyester jacket from their collection is. Polyester is the most manufactured textile fiber in the world and is very efficient in terms of recycling. The aim of the project is to evaluate a recycled polyester jacket and a fictive virgin polyester jacket, then comparing them. This thesis paper will research the environmental aspects of the polyester material through energy and chemical consumption. Through these investigations the aim is to find out which material, recycled or virgin polyester, is more sustainable. The main focus discussed is the production processes that differ between the two jackets since many polyester production parts are identical. Comparative analysis is the method used throughout this thesis paper since recycled and virgin polyester can be compared successfully. The differences between the jackets which are accounted for are; polyester polymer chain manufacturing, recycling and functions of hydrophilic polyester and micro-porous polyurethane membranes. Polyester apparel manufacturing contains many chemical intensive processes. Overall we conclude that recycling uses less hazardous chemicals and consumes less energy the than production of virgin polyester. Due to these facts, recycled polyester also consumes less petroleum.