Polyester has come a long way from the bell-bottom, wide-collar clothes of the 70s. In the early 1990s a new kind of polyester was developed that is kinder to the planet. Recycling plastic bottles and reforming them into recycled polyester takes 59% less energy to produce than virgin polyester. This sustainable material is versatile, durable and high-quality.

What is Polyester?

Virgin polyester is a synthetic fabric that’s one of the world’s most popular textiles. Polyester is derived from a chemical process using polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Manufacturing polyester transforms PET into polymers using fossil fuels via a carbon-heavy process.

Polyester is a popular material because it’s cheap, versatile and durable. It dries quickly, resists wrinkles and is lightweight, making it a great material for activewear.

Unfortunately, manufacturing polyester takes a heavy toll on the environment. Petroleum is a non-renewable resource, the fabric isn’t biodegradable and it’s almost impossible to recycle.

What is Recycled Polyester?

Recycled polyester isn’t made of polyester. It’s an entirely new synthetic textile made from plastic bottles that are shredded and reformed into fabric. This mechanical process is less costly than virgin polyester, uses no chemicals and diverts waste away from landfills and oceans.

 Polyester and recycled polyester share the same properties of durability, versatility and quality, but recycled polyester takes less energy to produce. Greenhouse gas emissions are 32% lower and overall energy use is 59% less than polyester.

Seawool® is another type of recycled polyester developed by Creative Tech Textile. Seawool combines oyster shell waste with recycled PET bottles — the result is a groundbreaking technology used in the textile industry. Seawool is antibacterial, anti-static, soft to the touch, and insulates, making it an excellent choice for Tellus activewear.

Tellus is committed to making a positive difference in the apparel industry by using recycled materials and sustainable manufacturing processes. Recycled polyester is at the top of the list of sustainable fabrics used in our products.

Benefits Beyond the Environment

Recycled polyester is ideal for everyone who wants to adventure with purpose. Beyond making a smaller impact on the planet, recycled polyester clothing is ideal for all performance levels and outdoor pursuits.

Thanks to Seawool and other recycled polyester materials, Tellus clothing is lightweight, durable and quick to dry. The fabrics are comfortable, move with you and wick away sweat from your body. From leggings to shorts to shirts and jackets, Tellus recycled polyester clothing is the ideal sustainable outdoor wear for your adventures.

Choose Recycled Polyester Products

Making informed purchasing decisions and responsible choices contribute to the well-being of our planet. As a conscious consumer, it’s easy to shop for sustainable products.

• Look for third-party verification of fabrics
• Verify the manufacturing process and facility follow responsible practices
• Shop for quality so that your items last longer
• Seek 100% recycled materials or materials with a high percentage of recycled fabric
• Support brands that maintain sustainable practices
• Identify ethical clothing makers that practice transparent sustainability

One hundred percent of Tellus products contain recycled materials. Our apparel isn't just kinder to the planet — it actively helps regenerate it. We are dedicated to creating a sustainable business model, working to ensure that every step of the process, from supply chain to products and materials to packaging, is created using recycled and sustainable materials and best practices. Recycled polyester is one of the elements that makes our goals possible.