Fashion in the 21st century: the invasion of polyester (Spain)

The fashion industry based on polyester garments represents well the current development model, in which economic and consumption without limit prevails, which is having serious environmental repercussions.

Polyester plastic fibers are obtained from petroleum, do not depend on climatic factors and are the most used in the textile industry today. Around 60% of the everyday garments we use have polyester blended-yes-with natural fibers such as cotton.

China is the great producer of this plastic fiber, resistant, durable and cheap, which allows you to make clothes that neither wrinkle nor deform. At the same time, the rules of consumption establish their use in very limited periods of time.

An increasing number of publications warns about the possible environmental consequences of its use and waste: the increase of polyester remains has been detected both in the sea and in marine fauna and in the fresh water that we drink. It is estimated that its average degradation time is around 500 years.

An image for reflection: hundreds of people wrapped in polyester clothes contemplate as they pass through Madrid (Spain) the trashumantic flocks, traditional wool producers.