According to Textile Exchange, the study identifies key environmental hotspots across different polyester production routes and includes new data on both thermomechanical and chemical recycling technologies. It also provides what is believed to be the first publicly available data on the environmental impacts of virgin polyethylene terephthalate (PET) production in Southeast Asia, a region that accounts for more than half of global virgin PET production.

The assessment focuses on virgin polyester production in Southeast Asia and recycled polyester production in China, Europe and the United States. Like all Textile Exchange LCA studies, it follows a cradle-to-gate approach, covering impacts from resource extraction through fiber formation. In addition, the study incorporates a broader “LCA+” methodology, including an assessment of human rights impacts associated with polyester production.

One of the central findings is that the environmental performance of polyester depends heavily on the production technology used. Key impact hotspots identified include the production of virgin fossil-based feedstocks, waste collection and sorting for recycled polyester, energy consumption and transportation.

To support industry-wide environmental modelling and progress tracking, the data from the study will be integrated into several major sustainability databases, including the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI), Ecoinvent and the Quantis World Apparel and Footwear Life Cycle Assessment Database (WALDB). Textile Exchange notes that the data is primarily intended as proxy data for situations where source-specific LCA data is unavailable.

The polyester study is the second publication in Textile Exchange’s ongoing series of fiber-specific LCA studies. Earlier this year, the organization published its cotton LCA study, with additional assessments scheduled for release throughout 2026 and 2027.

To ensure scientific rigor and impartiality, the study was conducted in accordance with ISO standards, led by specialized LCA consultants, reviewed by independent expert panels and developed in consultation with a broad range of industry stakeholders.

Textile Exchange emphasizes that, as with all LCA data, results should be interpreted carefully and within their intended context. The organization advises against direct comparisons between different studies, regions or production systems, as methodological choices, assumptions and system boundaries can significantly influence outcomes.

Explore the full LCA study:

https://textileexchange.org/knowledge-center/reports/polyester-life-cycle-assessment/?utm_source=polyesterlca_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=polyesterLCA&utm_term=null&utm_content=general