Recycled Polyester Isn’t As Sustainable As You Think—Here’s Why We Avoid It
At Pure Bay, we believe truly sustainable clothing means protecting both our bodies and the planet. Although recycled polyester has become a popular choice for many “eco-friendly” brands, there are some critical truths about plastic clothing that are often overlooked.
1. Recycled Polyester Still Introduces Plastic Into Your Life
If you’re already buying synthetic clothing, opting for recycled polyester may seem like a better choice since it reduces the need for new plastic. But the truth is, plastic-based clothing shouldn’t be purchased at all. Choosing recycled polyester doesn’t eliminate plastic waste—it just moves it from the landfill to your closet. And once you start wearing and washing any polyester, recycled or not, it continuously sheds microplastics into our waterways, the air, and even your body.
2. Plastic Clothing Harms Our Health and Ecosystems
Every wash cycle of plastic-based clothing releases millions of microplastics into the water supply, contaminating drinking water and harming marine life. Even when worn, these tiny fibers shed into the air, where they can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, potentially disrupting bodily functions. Because microplastics are so small, they infiltrate our bodies, the soil, and the oceans—causing harm at nearly every stage.
3. Misconceptions About “Ocean Plastic”
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Not Truly Ocean-Sourced
Many brands imply they're removing plastic directly from the ocean to save marine life. In reality, most recycled plastic at scale is bought from waste management companies, meaning it was never actually ocean-bound. -
Turtles Aren’t Necessarily Saved
Because the plastic wasn’t destined for the sea to begin with, your purchase doesn’t always translate to a turtle being rescued from tangled nets or plastic debris. -
Microplastics Return to the Ocean
Once recycled polyester garments are worn and washed, they shed microplastics that can end up back in our waterways—potentially causing more harm to marine life than if the plastic had stayed in a landfill.
A Truly Sustainable Solution
At Pure Bay, we believe real sustainability means eliminating plastic—not just repurposing it into something that still pollutes our bodies and the planet. That’s why our clothing is 100% free from plastic and harmful chemicals, made only from natural materials that are safe for you and the environment.
When you wear our garments, you can be confident that no plastic fibers will end up in your lungs, on your skin, or in your drinking water. And because our fabrics are free from harmful chemicals, you’re not exposing yourself to the hidden toxins found in most modern clothing.
Every piece is designed to last longer, feel better, and support a cleaner future.