Virgin polyester versus Recycled polyester

10/01/2008 16:15 MST

Q. What is the difference between virgin and recycled polyester fibers?

A. Virgin
**Manufactured since 1953
**Can be processed quickly and efficiently with high level of quality
**Raw materials are consistent

Recycled
**Manufactured since 1993
**Still considered "young" fibers
**Raw Materials:
*pre-consumer (post-industrial): waste from the manufacturing process.
This is more consistent than post-consumer - no dyeing, controlled environments.
*post-consumer: primarily water and soda bottles and some garments
This is less consistent - curbside, landfills

As technology advances and oil prices continue to rise, we will see more recycled materials at higher quality levels hit the markets.

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