From “Miracle Fabric” to Microplastics: The Rise and Real Cost of Polyester

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Polyester began as a mid-20th-century breakthrough in textile science. It offered wrinkle resistance, shape retention and low cost, and by the 1970s it was a defining feature of modern wardrobes. Yet polyester is essentially plastic. It resists biodegradation and sheds microplastic fibres each time it’s washed. These particles pollute waterways, harm marine life and can even enter the food chain. In hot, humid climates like Nigeria’s, polyester traps heat and moisture, making it less comfortable than natural fibres. Its low price has driven fast fashion, leading to overconsumption and massive textile waste. Recycled polyester offers some relief, but it still poses microplastic and environmental challenges. Today, consumers and brands are weighing polyester’s convenience against its lasting impact on the planet.

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