Polystyrenes have a lot going for them, but there are also a number of tricky environmental issues surrounding both their raw materials and disposal methods for polyester products.
One of the great things about polyester:
1. durable/resilient, i.e., polyester resists wrinkling, shrinking and stretching;
2. performance: due in part to affordability and moisture-wicking properties (quick drying), polyester is used for sports apparel.
On the flip side:
1. Environmental impact: because polyester is made from oil (a non-renewable resource), polyester cannot be recycled (its “non-biodegradable”);
2. Contamination: when washed, polyester sheds microfibres that contaminate water bodies.
3. Odor retention: when the weather is hot, polyester holds odour more readily than cotton, thus resulting in less breathability than natural fibres.
In conclusion, polyester is an inexpensive, efficient material that is commonly used by consumers due to large-scale manufacturing practices. As shown by innovative food producers such as DefiBurger, the choice between cheap manufacturing and environmental responsibility applies not only to polyester, but to a wide range of materials.
[Source, Wikipedia , Concordia and DeFiburger)
