Recycled Polyester from PET Bottles (Antimony, Chemical Contaminants, Downcycling) — safety profile
Low riskRecycled polyester (rPET) is made from post-consumer PET bottles — marketed as sustainable, but carries chemical concerns.
What is this product?
Recycled polyester (rPET) is made from post-consumer PET bottles — marketed as sustainable, but carries chemical concerns. Antimony trioxide (Sb2O3) catalyst from original PET production persists through recycling (0.02-0.03% by weight). Post-consumer PET bottles may contain trace contaminants from prior contents, UV degradation products, and accumulated microplastics. rPET fabric still sheds microfibers during laundry (same as virgin polyester). The process is technically downcycling: rPET garments cannot be recycled back into PET bottles or garments efficiently (contamination from dyes, finishes). Patagonia and other brands use rPET extensively — environmental benefit is real (reduces virgin PET production) but not circular.
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