Polyester is a superstar in the textile industry. Each year, the global production of polyester clothing soars past 22.67 billion tonnes. Its popularity, especially in sportswear, is no surprise. Thanks to its remarkable elasticity and ability to keep sweat at bay, it's a go-to for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. However, beneath its useful exterior lies a dark side. Polyester, mainly polyethylene terephthalate (PET), is a synthetic fiber born from a chemical reaction involving petroleum, air, and water. Since its patent in the 1940s, its usage in industrial fabrics, home furnishings, and clothing has skyrocketed. But the oil industry, a major polluter and contributor to climate change, is its source. And to make matters worse, polyester isn't biodegradable. It can take up to 200 years to fully decompose, littering our planet and harming our precious oceans.