Polyester vs. Recycled Polyester: What’s the Difference? 

Polyester is one of the most common fabrics used in outdoor apparel — and for good reason. It’s lightweight, durable and performs well in a wide range of conditions. But as sustainability becomes a bigger part of how we design and choose gear, recycled polyester has emerged as a better alternative to conventional polyester. 

So, what’s the difference, and why does it matter? 

It matters because what we wear outside should help protect the outdoors and choosing recycled materials is one small way we can reduce our impact while still making gear that performs.

What is Polyester? 

Virgin polyester is a synthetic fiber made from petroleum-based resources. It’s valued for its strength, quick-drying performance and long lifespan, which makes it a popular choice for fleece jackets, insulation layers and technical outerwear. 

However, producing virgin polyester relies on fossil fuels and requires significant energy, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and resource extraction. 

What is Recycled polyester? 

Recycled polyester is made by repurposing existing plastic — most commonly post-consumer plastic bottles — and turning it into new fiber. The end result looks and performs almost exactly the same as virgin polyester, but with a lower environmental footprint. 

At Tellus, we use recycled polyester in many of our products because it delivers reliable performance while reducing reliance on virgin materials. 

Environmental Impact: Why Recycled Polyester Is Better 

Compared to virgin polyester, recycled polyester generally: 

  • Uses less energy during production 
  • Produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions 
  • Keeps plastic waste out of landfills and waterways 

Using recycled materials supports a more circular system — one that prioritizes reuse over extraction and helps reduce overall waste. 

That said, recycled polyester isn’t perfect. Like all polyester, it’s not biodegradable and can shed microplastics when washed. For us, choosing recycled polyester is about making a better choice — not a flawless one. 

Performance & Durability 

From a performance standpoint, recycled polyester holds up. It offers the same benefits people expect from polyester apparel: 

  • Moisture-wicking and quick-drying performance 
  • Durable construction for long-term wear 
  • Reliable warmth in fleece and insulated layers 
  • Strong color and shape retention 

Because long-lasting gear is a key part of sustainability, we design products meant to be worn season after season. 

Why Tellus Chooses Recycled Polyester 

Using recycled polyester is one way we reduce our impact while maintaining high performance standards. It aligns with our commitment to thoughtful materials, responsible design and circular thinking. 

And because Tellus gives back 100% of our net profits to environmental conservation and restoration, every product supports work that protects the places we explore. 

Next Steps

FAQs Polyester vs. Recycled Polyester  

Is recycled polyester more sustainable than regular polyester? Yes. Recycled polyester generally uses less energy and produces fewer emissions than virgin polyester, while also reducing plastic waste. 

Does recycled polyester perform the same as polyester? Yes. Recycled polyester offers nearly identical performance in terms of durability, moisture-wicking and warmth. 

Is recycled polyester biodegradable? No. Recycled polyester is still a synthetic fiber and does not biodegrade. But by keeping this material in use, we’re diverting waste from landfills and keeping it in action for long-term use. 

Can recycled polyester be recycled again? In most cases, no. Fiber quality degrades over time, which is why durability and long product life are so important.