Recycled Polyester (rPET)
Polyester fiber made from recycled PET, usually post-consumer plastic bottles.
What it is
Recycled polyester is made by mechanically or chemically reprocessing PET — most commonly clear plastic bottles — into chips, then spun into yarn. GRS and RCS are the two main chain-of-custody certifications.
Why it matters
Virgin polyester is petroleum-derived and accounts for over half of global fiber production. rPET cuts fossil-fuel inputs and diverts plastic from landfill, but it doesn't solve the microfiber problem.
Upsides
- Up to 70% less CO2 and 90% less water than virgin polyester
- Diverts plastic bottles from landfill and ocean
- Performs identically to virgin polyester
Trade-offs
- Sheds microplastics during washing — use a Guppyfriend bag
- Mechanical recycling degrades fiber; most rPET is downcycled after one loop
- Bottle-to-textile recycling can compete with bottle-to-bottle, which is more circular
What to look for on the label
GRS (Global Recycled Standard) or RCS certification with stated recycled content percentage and a transaction certificate.
Better or comparable alternatives
Frequently asked
Does recycled polyester shed microplastics?+
Yes, the same as virgin polyester. Wash in a microfiber-trapping bag, use cold cycles, and air-dry to reduce shedding.
Is rPET safe to wear next to skin?+
Reputable GRS-certified fiber is tested for restricted substances. Avoid bargain rPET without a chain-of-custody certificate, which can contain antimony or dye residues.