In the bottle processing plant in the North Carolina’s Reds Will, the flow of plastic particles like ice banks, piles into every indicator of machinery that penetrates bottles into flakes. When I ask our tour guide, a floor manager, if he worries about breathing in it, he says he does not do so. “We do a good job of cleaning it,” he said.
But I am The 2023 study of the relevant UK plastic recycling plant revealed that even after the installation of the latest filters, about 6 % of the plastics was released as micro and nanoplasts in wastewater, while the air around this facility was substantially hazardous to human health.
Scientists are still wondering what microplastics do for our health, but a study has shown that people with IBS have more microplastics, including PET and polymide (one of which is a nylon), in their intestines. Although PET is the highest benign of all plastics, at least two studies have found BPA, hormone disruption chemicals in polyester baby clothing, and several brands agreed to resolve California lawmakers on the presence of BPA in polythene athletic shirts in 2023.
In addition, Water Utility Managers in the Redswill have alleged that Unifit and other polyester manufacturers in Cape Fairwater shedding could potentially be a source of 1,4-dai oxycin, a potential human carcingeon, which provides more water from Central to Southeast North Carolina. Technically, it is not illegal (especially since the Uniform, other industrial sources and several cities, successfully limit 1,4-dai oxin in wastewater against a rule of North Carolina). Since 1,4-dai oxycin manufacturing is a product of PET resin, the EPA announced at the end of 2024 that there is an irrational threat to the health of nearly 1,4-dai oxin workers and surrounding communities. There are 1,4 dioxin treatment (very expensive) methods for the treatment of wastewater, so it remains to be seen how the resulting rules will be affected, especially since the EPA does not currently want to manage toxic chemical exposure.
Both the finger and the bid refused to discuss these issues in detail. Personally, he cited the advice of the Uniform’s lawyer (BPA), saying that the UNIF follows all the rules (1,4-dai oxin), or promises ignorance (microplastics). Bids were not answered in follow -up questions. Angel responded by writing an answer to the following questions, “We maintain an active participation in micro -fiber consortium, to support educational and industry research in the source of fiber fragments in the natural environment from textile to educational and industry research.” And “We are in accordance with all local, state and federal regulations for all our sites.”
For advocates, every micro scandal is proof that there is no environmentally friendly polyester. “We can’t do it permanently in a non -toxic manner, it is literally impossible,” says Pacies.
But I left the reproductive plant thinking whether we were letting the enemy of perfect American jobs. Demand for polyester will continue, and it will be built here in a construction factory at a sketch factory using recycled sources, or using fresh petrochemicals abroad. Pacies says they “don’t want to call this company or these people, because they will probably be the best people in the world who can perform well.” He described a utopia for me in which non -toxic and natural clothing is made here and then composted and recycled. Looks beautiful and impossible.
In February this year, Uni Fi announced that it was closing its Madison, North Carolina, the Polyester Processing Plant. It will send some of its machinery to its Latin American plants, and will provide Madison employees with new job opportunities at Yadkinsville and Reds Well plants, which are in service.
For now, anyway.
