What Is Recycled Polyester Fabric Made Of? | FuncFabric

Recycled polyester fabric, commonly known as RPET, is made from 100% recycled polyester derived primarily from post-consumer PET bottles. The bottles are collected, sorted, cleaned, and processed into flakes or pellets. These pellets are melted and extruded into new polyester filament, which is then cut into fiber, spun into yarn, and finally knitted or woven into fabric rolls.

This closed-loop approach keeps plastic out of landfills. At FuncFabric, our GRS Certified Recycled Fabric verifies recycled content from 20% to 100%, independently audited, with full chain-of-custody documentation from post-consumer waste to finished fabric roll.

Depending on end use, recycled polyester fabric is available in weights from 120gsm to 280gsm and widths from 150cm to 180cm, rolled or folded. Common structures include single jersey, interlock, mesh, and woven twilled or ripstop constructions. Compared to virgin polyester, RPET delivers comparable strength and durability while reducing reliance on petroleum-based raw materials.

Standard performance features include moisture wicking, quick-dry behavior, and high tensile strength. In specialized blends, recycled polyester also supports UPF 50+ protection, making it suitable for outdoor and activewear programs.

Recycled polyester fabric is used across sportswear and activewear, outdoor apparel, and sustainable fashion. Products such as our Recycled Performance Fabric and Sustainable Activewear Fabric are constructed from 100% recycled polyester with GRS certification and are available in 140gsm to 280gsm weights. These fabrics offer 4-way stretch, moisture wicking, and high abrasion resistance.

For fashion and uniform programs, GRS Certified Recycled Fabric supports woven, knit, mesh, and technical blends from 120gsm to 300gsm, giving designers flexibility without compromising sustainability.

As a supplier focused on export and wholesale programs, we offer customization across GSM, color, width, and roll type. Typical order specifications include single jersey or interlock knits at 140gsm to 260gsm, as well as mesh constructions from 130gsm to 240gsm.

Each batch is backed by GRS certification and full traceability. Our in-house process covers bottle sourcing, fiber extrusion, yarn spinning, and fabric finishing, giving brands a verifiable recycled supply chain.

Choosing recycled polyester fabric is a measurable step toward circular production. GRS certification and chain-of-custody documentation ensure that the recycled content you specify is independently verified—not just a marketing label. For example, our Recycled Performance Fabric contains 100% recycled polyester with GRS certification, available from 140gsm to 280gsm.

Compared to conventional polyester, RPET helps divert plastic waste and supports sustainability goals without sacrificing performance. For brands targeting the Sustainable Fashion Industry or Sportswear & Activewear markets, certified recycled fabrics provide the evidence needed for credible eco-labeling.