What is Global Recycling Standard (GRS) Recycled Polyester?

When choosing reusable products and clothing, it's always important to consider the materials used to make them. This can help you make much more informed shopping choices.

Made from recycled plastic, such as PET plastic bottles, recycled polyester is designed to benefit the environment, reducing waste and pollution.

So what really is recycled polyester, and what are its main benefits?

How is recycled polyester made?

Recycled polyester can be made from all kinds of plastic waste, from old plastic bottles to industrial waste, discarded textiles, and everything in between.

To make polyester materials, discarded plastics are collected, sorted, chopped, and melted before being transformed into small polyester chips.

These chips are melted and spun to create filaments of recycled fibre. These fibres can later be used to create a range of textile products, including children's swimwear.

What are the certification standards?

Certified recycled polyester aligns with several important certification standards that prove its quality and sustainability.

Under the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), recycled polyester is required to align with chemical restrictions and best practices for social and environmental responsibility.

The Oeko-Tex100 Standard means that materials must be free from chemicals and substances that could harm human health or the natural environment.

What are the key benefits of GRS certified recycled polyester?

There are many benefits to using recycled polyester to make clothing items. Recycled polyester is durable and affordable, making it a cost-effective option for buyers.

Items made using recycled polyester materials are soft, gentle, and lightweight, making them the perfect choice for all kinds of clothing, especially items like swimwear that are designed for infants and young children.

Recycled polyester also has good resistance to fire, UV, and insects, helping items last for long periods of time without damage.

While all of these things are important, the greatest benefits of using recycled polyester are associated with environmental sustainability, and wearing fashion which isn't contributing to the use of virgin resources.

How does recycled polyester help the environment?

Plastic waste continues to be a major problem for our environment, and unfortunately, textiles are a large contributor to plastic pollution. This is one of the key reasons why more and more parents are making the switch to reusable nappies.

By relying on recycled plastic for manufacturing, recycled polyester plays an important role in beginning to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry, removing waste from the environment instead of adding it.

Producing recycled polyester does not require the use of crude oil, refinery, or chemical extraction, which are needed to produce other virgin polyester materials. As a result, recycled polyester items can be created with much less oil, water, and energy consumption.

This means that the manufacturing processes are able to significantly reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions that are harmful to the environment.

How should you care for recycled polyester items?

Caring well for clothing items can help them last longer, making them even more sustainable. It’s easy to care properly for items made from recycled polyester fabric.

It’s best to clean recycled polyester textiles using a cold or cool machine wash. Choose a slower washing speed, and use a gentle, non-toxic washing detergent. These steps help to both care for your products and save water and energy. 

The most sustainable way to dry recycled polyester swimwear is by leaving them outside to dry in the shade. This way, you can avoid using a dryer that will cost money and energy, and will extend the life of your garments.

Most clothes made from recycled polyester do not need to be ironed, as their elastic material is not prone to wrinkles.

Looking for items made using recycled polyester materials? Welcome to Ella and Maeve, the home of GRS certified recycled polyester swimwear in sizes 000 to 2.

We offer a great range of reusable products with the environment at their core. Visit our website to find your next eco-friendly purchase.