Maybe you’ve read it before: “Made from recycled PET bottles.” Sounds good, doesn’t it? Almost like a green promise. A solution to the plastic flood and at the same time a sporty high-tech product – perfect for your active equestrian life.
But unfortunately, that’s often nothing more than a nice fairy tale.
What does “recycled” actually mean?
When talking about recycled polyester or rPET, it usually means plastic bottles made from polyethylene terephthalate – in other words, regular water bottles. These are collected, washed, shredded, and processed into new fibers. The result is fabrics that feel soft, are functional, and above all: seem “sustainable.”
But here’s the catch:
Only a very small part of plastic waste is actually recycled. And an even smaller part ends up in textiles – most of it is used for energy recovery or ends up in cheap products that don’t last long.
What no one tells you: Plastic stays plastic
Even if the starting material was a recycled bottle, it ultimately becomes a synthetic fabric again, which releases microplastics when washed, does not biodegrade, and eventually ends up in landfill or incineration. So, there’s no closed loop – just a one-time detour.
And on top of that:
Many PET bottles that are “recycled” were actually intended for the food industry. Due to the rPET boom in the fashion and sports industry, these high-quality materials are now used for textiles – and are lost to true recycling. An environmental setback sold as progress.
Greenwashing in equestrian clothing?
Even in equestrian sports, recycled polyester is often advertised – in riding leggings, jackets, or cooler rugs. And yes, the material is light, stretchy, and inexpensive. But if you look closely, you’ll notice:
Often, the promise is greater than the benefit.
Because what good is a “recycled” fabric,
– if it gets thin or pills after a year?
– if you send microplastics into the groundwater with every wash?
– if you have to buy new every year?
The better alternative: Quality, durability, nature
Of course, synthetic fibers can’t always be avoided. But you have the choice: either follow short-term trends – or invest in long-lasting products made from natural materials, that meet your needs as a rider.
Because true sustainability means: Less, but better.
Products made from wool, linen, or organic cotton may be more expensive, but they last longer, are skin- and horse-friendly, and leave no invisible damage to the environment.
Conclusion
Next time a green label tempts you, remember:
Not everything that looks “recycled” is truly sustainable.
And not everything that’s natural has to be old-fashioned or boring.
You love horses, nature, and quality? Then make choices in clothing and equipment that suit you – not marketing promises.
