Recycled polyester (rPET) is reshaping cycling gear by reducing waste and cutting carbon emissions by 79% compared to virgin polyester. Here's why it matters:

• Eco-Friendly Benefits: Producing rPET uses 59% less energy and keeps plastic bottles out of landfills.
• Performance: rPET matches virgin polyester in durability, moisture-wicking, and comfort - key for cyclists.
• Sustainability Impact: Brands like Shebeest and Unifi’s Repreve have already recycled billions of plastic bottles into high-performance fabrics.

Key Facts:

• 9 plastic bottles = 1 T-shirt.
• 75% fewer greenhouse gas emissions from rPET production.
• Cycling-specific features include sweat management, lightweight support, and wear resistance.

Recycled polyester proves that you don’t have to compromise on performance to make a sustainable choice. Keep reading to learn how it's made, its technical advantages, and how brands are leading the charge in eco-friendly cycling wear.

Making Recycled Polyester

Sorting and Cleaning

The journey of turning plastic bottles into recycled polyester begins with sorting and cleaning. Collection centers gather PET bottles - those marked with the number 1 recycling symbol - from homes and businesses ^[5]. These bottles are thoroughly cleaned to remove labels, caps, and any leftover contents, ensuring the material is ready for processing ^[5].

Both workers and automated systems sort the bottles by color and type, carefully removing any materials that aren’t PET ^[6]. Once sorted and cleaned, the bottles are ready for the next stage.

Processing Methods

There are two main ways to process these bottles into polyester:

• Mechanical Recycling: This method involves shredding the cleaned bottles into small flakes, which are then melted, extruded into fine filaments, and spun into yarn. The result is a fabric strong and flexible enough for uses like cycling gear ^[2].

• Chemical Recycling: This approach uses chemical agents to break down the PET molecules and rebuild them into fibers. While it creates a higher-quality polyester, this method is less commonly used ^[2].

"Using PET bottles to make recycled polyester produces 75% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, compared to making new PET."
– Allison Tau, Digital Content Manager, American Chemical Society ^[8]

Depending on the recycling method, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by 75–79%. These processes not only conserve resources but also promote a more sustainable production cycle.

Resource Savings

Making recycled polyester significantly cuts down on resource use:

For instance, it takes just nine plastic bottles to create one T-shirt ^[8]. Companies like Amble Outdoors have embraced this process, recycling 643,071 bottles into fabric during 2023–2024, with 314,468 bottles processed in the last year alone ^[7].

This method not only keeps plastic out of landfills but also reduces reliance on crude oil, the non-renewable resource traditionally used to produce virgin polyester ^[9].

Technical Features for Cycling

Sweat Management

Recycled polyester is a standout material for cycling gear, thanks to its ability to wick moisture efficiently. This fabric is designed to pull sweat away from the skin and allow it to evaporate quickly, keeping riders dry and comfortable during intense sessions ^[1]. Beyond just comfort, this moisture control helps prevent chafing, which can be a major distraction during long rides ^[1].

This sweat-handling ability also pairs well with the fabric's durable construction, making it a reliable choice for athletes.

Strength and Movement

Durability is another hallmark of recycled polyester. When combined with elastane, it offers both strength and flexibility, which are essential for cycling ^[12].

"Polyester is far more wear-resistant than natural fibres like cotton or wool, making it ideal for physical activity and high-performance sporting applications." – Fabric Material Guide ^[12]

Here’s how its features translate into cycling benefits:

Its durability and elasticity ensure it can handle the demands of cycling while maintaining comfort.

Weight and Support

The lightweight nature of recycled polyester is another big advantage for cyclists. It reduces fatigue on long rides and provides a snug, supportive fit, thanks to its compression properties ^[12][13]. Ventilation zones, often placed in areas like underarms, further enhance airflow, keeping riders cool without adding bulk ^[11].

Key benefits of lightweight recycled polyester include:

• Greater freedom of movement during rides
• Less strain on the body during extended sessions
• Better airflow in sweat-prone areas
• Secure, supportive fit without extra weight

These features make recycled polyester a top choice for cycling apparel, offering a balance of moisture control, durability, and lightweight support - all while being a more sustainable option.

Shebeest's Design Approach

Women-Specific Fit

Shebeest crafts cycling apparel designed specifically for women, focusing on the unique needs of the female body. Features like extended torso lengths and curved waistbands are thoughtfully integrated to support various riding positions, ensuring comfort and practicality ^[14]. Their chamois pads are carefully contoured to alleviate pressure on sensitive areas, such as the sit bones and soft tissue, enhancing overall comfort during rides ^[15]. These thoughtful design elements are paired with the use of recycled polyester, ensuring every piece delivers reliable performance.

By combining these fit-focused innovations with sustainable practices, Shebeest creates gear that prioritizes both functionality and environmental responsibility.

Color and Pattern

Shebeest is known for its bold and vibrant aesthetic, made possible by the versatility of recycled polyester. Stretch tape not only adds functional support but also enhances the visual appeal of their designs ^[16].

"In true Shebeest fashion, the opportunity for color, style, and technical details are never ignored." – Laura Wisner, Petunia Mafia Cycling ^[16]

Their commitment to striking designs is further highlighted through collaborations, such as their partnership with Cycology Fitness, which showcases eye-catching prints crafted from eco-friendly materials ^[17].

Performance with Purpose

Shebeest seamlessly blends style, sustainability, and performance in their cycling wear. By using recycled polyester, they contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of the fashion industry, which accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions ^[1]. Their gear is designed to meet the demands of rigorous rides, incorporating features like:

• Moisture-wicking fabrics to keep riders cool and dry
• Reflective accents for improved visibility in low-light conditions
• Seamless construction to reduce friction and enhance comfort
• Durable materials that withstand intense cycling sessions

This approach ensures their apparel not only performs well but also aligns with a commitment to sustainability, meeting the needs of both riders and the planet.

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Garment Care Guide

Washing Instructions

When it comes to recycled polyester cycling gear, washing with care is essential. Stick to cold water (30°C/86°F), a gentle liquid detergent, and a low-spin cycle. After washing, air dry your gear or use low heat to avoid shrinkage.

By following these steps, you not only extend the life of your gear but also help reduce environmental impact, such as microfiber shedding.

Reducing Fiber Loss

Microfiber shedding is a pressing environmental issue, with textiles accounting for up to 35% of microplastic pollution in marine environments ^[19]. Stephanie Karba, an environmental researcher at Patagonia, highlights:

"Everything from the quality of the raw material input to the quality of the processing machinery to the skill and expertise of the mill is going to affect the quality of a fabric and therefore its shedding." ^[18]

To tackle this, consider using tools specifically designed to capture microfibers during washing:

These tools can make a noticeable difference in keeping harmful fibers out of waterways.

End-of-Life Options

When your cycling gear reaches the end of its life, responsible disposal is key. France's upcoming regulation requiring washing machines to have built-in filters by 2025 reflects the growing emphasis on sustainability in textiles ^[20].

Here are some ways to responsibly handle worn-out gear:

• Textile Recycling Programs: Many local centers accept textiles for recycling.
• Brand Take-Back Programs: Some companies offer to recycle their used products.
• Upcycling Projects: Transform old gear into cleaning rags or storage items.

If your gear is still in usable condition, donating, selling, or arranging a gear swap within your cycling community are excellent options. As Sam Athey, an environmental chemist and PhD candidate at the University of Toronto Rochman Lab, puts it:

"One solution is not going to work for everyone. … It's good to know what solutions are out there and consider adopting more than one." ^[18]

PEARL iZUMi Attack Long Sleeve Jersey & Bib Short Review - feat. Raw Edge Hem + Reflective Details

Looking Ahead

The future of recycled polyester is shaping up to transform cycling wear as we know it. With its proven ability to cut waste and conserve energy, recycled polyester is now being pushed even further with advancements that promise better performance and efficiency. For instance, modern manufacturing processes have achieved 79% fewer carbon emissions and a 60% reduction in energy consumption, surpassing earlier benchmarks ^[1][3].

The industry is also stepping up its sustainability goals. Key players are aiming for recycled polyester to make up 45% of materials by 2025 and an ambitious 90% by 2030 ^[22]. These initiatives are already making waves in performance cycling wear, proving that sustainability and high performance can go hand in hand.

"The most important thing to realize is that there is no performance difference between using virgin synthetics or recycled fabrics", says Martin Velits, former pro rider and co-founder of Isadore ^[21].

Recycled polyester is now on par with virgin polyester in terms of performance, and innovations like low-temperature dyeing processes are helping to cut costs and energy usage ^[1]. Combined with its well-known strengths in moisture management and durability, these advancements are paving the way for a new era in sustainable cycling design.

Here’s a snapshot of how these innovations are driving change in cycling wear:

"The cycling industry has the ability to be an incredible force for good in the world, but to make the necessary changes we need to take action with urgency, together." ^[21]

Beyond just garment care, the shift toward circular models is becoming a defining feature of the industry’s future. More brands are encouraging cyclists to return old kits for recycling or repurposing ^[4]. This approach represents a broader commitment to sustainable practices, blending high performance with a purpose-driven focus on the environment.

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