Polyester
Other names: PES
Harm score: 3 (Harmless chemicals)
Polyester, commonly referred to as PES, is one of the most widely used man-made materials in the clothing industry, but it also finds applications in many other areas. It is a plastic material obtained by polymerisation, i.e. the chemical bonding of molecules into long chains. This process takes place at high temperatures, both in the presence and absence of a catalyst. Polyester is resistant to biodegradation and is very strong, flexible and elastic.
In the clothing industry, polyester is used to produce various types of clothing, such as jackets, swimwear, shorts, T-shirts, but also underwear. It is often combined with cotton to increase its breathability. Due to its durability, PES is also a popular material for furniture, especially upholstery and carpets. In addition, polyester is also used in industry as a material for the production of food containers or in the automotive industry for the production of body components. Polyester is also used to make tarpaulins, ropes, nets and synthetic fibres - for example, for the filling of sleeping bags. Its other uses are in the electronics industry, where it is used to make insulators. It is therefore a very versatile material that finds application in a large number of products across different sectors.