COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PHYSICAL, SERVICEABILITY, AND HANDLE PROPERTIES OF WOVEN FABRICS PRODUCED WITH VIRGIN AND RECYCLED POLYESTER WEFT YARNS: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY FOR PERFORMANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the physical, serviceability, and handles properties of woven fabrics. The fabrics were manufactured using 20S Ne virgin polyester or 20S Ne recycled polyester yarns in the weft, with 2/20S Ne cotton yarns in the warp, to assess material properties and sustainable viability. The study aims to determine if recycled polyester, derived from recycled PET bottles, can offer equivalent or superior characteristics compared to virgin polyester without compromising fabric quality.Fabrics were produced on a Rapier loom under controlled conditions at Singhal Textiles, Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, utilizing standardized construction parameters (EPI × PPI: 54 × 46). A total of six fabric samples were prepared, encompassing 0-washed, 2-wash, and 4-wash conditions for both virgin and recycled polyester weft fabrics, respectively, to capture the progressive impact of washing. Rigorous laboratory testing was conducted in accordance with Indian and international standards for various properties. Physical characteristics such as Ends Per Inch (EPI), Picks Per Inch (PPI), fabric thickness, moisture content, and fabric weight (GSM) were measured. Serviceability parameters including abrasion resistance and pilling resistance were evaluated to determine fabric durability under use. Fabric handle was characterized by assessing drape, crease recovery. Additionally, air permeability was measured to understand comfort properties.In conclusion, this study provides evidence to support informed decision-making by manufacturers, and policymakers aiming to align fabric performance with sustainability.