Polyester

            Polyester is a widely used and known synthetically man-made fiber. About seventy percent of synthetic fibers are polyester.  Polyester is arguably the most excellent all-around synthetic fiber because it’s light-resistant, wrinkle-resistant, available in a several forms, dimensionally stable, recyclable, and some forms of polyester are flame-resistant (Yates 2002).  Polyester is most commonly known as being used in woven and knitted apparel as well as home furnishings, but there are also industrial polyester fibers that are used as reinforcements as well as used in plastics. Polyester is incredibly versatile and if it’s constructed properly, polyester can be very durable in any way it is used.

            In dealing with home furnishings, polyester fabrics are very familiar to designers. They are used in upholstery, bedding, drapery, panel fabric, wall coverings, etc.  These fabrics have good abrasion resistance and are easy to clean.  In addition, polyester can be woven together with other fibers to create other types of materials while still retaining all of its natural characteristics.

            Polyester is very marketable. Some types of polyester are flame resistant and therefore more usable in commercial and residential settings. The most popular flame resistant fiber is known as Trevira F.R., and the second most popular flame resistant polyester fiber is Visa polyester (Yates 2002). When each of these fibers are exposed to fire, the polyester melts and retracts from the heat source making it become a very well demanded product.

In addition, all polyesters can be recycled.  Polyester is even more sustainable than cotton, a natural fiber because of the production in which each product undergo to be recycled and then reused.  Knowing how sustainable polyester is and how great the demand is for this fiber, due to its flame resistance and other characteristics, only adds to how helpful it can be in future green designs within home furnishings and the design industry.  

Polyester is extremely versatile and typically well made.  There are types of polyester that are flame resistant, while all forms are wrinkle resistant, light resistant, and recyclable. Therefore, polyester is a great option in home furnishings for both residential and commercial atmospheres.  Polyester can make a plain space very beautiful, but there is definitely more to this fiber than meets the eye.

References

Yates, Marypaul. (2002). Fabrics: A Guide for Interior Designers and Architects. New York: W.

W. Norton & Company.