Newlife Polyester
Recycled polyester fiber made from post-consumer PET bottles through a mechanical recycling process by Sinterama. Certified by GRS (Global Recycled Standard), it offers the same performance as virgin polyester with significantly less environmental impact.
Material Score Breakdown
7-axis material rubric, not a garment verdict — see disclosure below.
How long the fabric lasts with regular use
Softness, feel against skin, wearability
Air flow and ventilation
Heat retention and insulation
Ability to pull sweat away from skin
Environmental impact of production and disposal
How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain
Products with newlife polyester
We don't have any garments containing newlife polyester in our catalog yet. Browse the full synthetic materials or check the product catalog.
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from newlife polyester. The axes above are research-backed averages for the fiber itself.
- ×Construction. Yarn staple length, weave / knit structure, stitch count, finishing. Identical fiber, very different garments.
- ×Fabric weight (GSM). A 140 GSM tee and a 220 GSM tee made of the same newlife polyester feel and last very differently.
- ×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.
Best For
Good comfort (60) and care ease (72) for casual wear
Good durability (72) and comfort (60) for office wear
Good moisture wicking (65) and durability (72) for weather protection
Good durability (72) and breathability (55) for outdoor activities
Good sustainability score (72)
Detailed Use Case Scores
Pros
- ✓ Diverts PET bottles from landfills and oceans
- ✓ Uses 94% less water and 60% less energy than virgin polyester
- ✓ GRS-certified traceability from bottle to fiber
- ✓ Identical performance to virgin polyester
Cons
- ✗ Still sheds microplastics when washed
- ✗ Not biodegradable — remains plastic at end of life
- ✗ Mechanical recycling limits how many times it can be recycled
- ✗ Slightly higher cost than virgin polyester
Better alternatives
Higher-scored synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
+10 vs Newlife Polyester · 76/100
Membrane technology that is waterproof yet breathable. A laminate applied to other fabrics rather than a fabric itself.
+9 vs Newlife Polyester · 75/100
Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber — the world's strongest fiber by weight. 15x stronger than steel, used in cut-resistant gear, ultralight backpacks, and high-performance sails.
+8 vs Newlife Polyester · 74/100
Waterproof breathable membrane fabric (Gore-Tex, eVent, or similar technology) laminated to a face fabric. The gold standard for rain and storm protection in technical outerwear.
Care Guide
Special Notes
• Use microfiber-catching wash bag to reduce microplastic shedding
Additional Care Tips
- • Machine wash cold to warm (30–40°C)
- • Use a microfiber-catching laundry bag to reduce microplastic shedding
- • Tumble dry on low heat or line dry
- • No bleach
- • Iron on low if needed
Cost
$$$$$
Budget-friendly
Shrinkage
Minimal shrinkage — follow care instructions
Eco Rating
Strong environmental credentials