Recycled polyester (PES) is a synthetic fibre based on post-consumer waste, such as plastic bottles and used garments. The raw material is reprocessed and spun into fibres. We use the material in more and more of our clothes and shoes. Recycled polyester is the main material in the uniforms of the London 2012 Games Makers, the 70,000 volunteers who will help at the games and in some of our most popular trainers.
Using recycled PES helps us reduce our dependency on petroleum, allows us to discharge less waste and reduces toxic emissions from incinerators.
We commissioned the first so-called ‘life cycle assessment’ of recycled polyester which demonstrated its environmental benefits over virgin polyester.
Read more about the study.