Copolyester vs. Polyester — What's the Difference?

The ability of a material to maintain integrity upon exposure to chemicals.

A category of polymers used extensively in textiles and plastics, known for its durability.

A characteristic of materials that allows them to bend without breaking.

The ability of a material to resist changes when exposed to high temperatures.

The method of converting waste materials into reusable materials.

The stiffness of a material and its resistance to bending.

A type of polyester that includes additional co-monomers to improve flexibility.

The strength of a material and its ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage.

The quality of a material that allows light to pass through it.

The systems in place for collecting, processing, and repurposing waste materials.

Copolyester forms when modifications are made to polyesters, which are combinations of diacids and diols. For example, by introducing other diacids, such as isophthalic acid (IPA), or other diols, such as cyclohexane dimethanol (CHDM) to the polyester polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the material becomes a copolyester due to its comonomer content.Copolyesters retain their strength, clarity, and other mechanical properties even when exposed to a variety of chemicals that typically affect other materials, such as polycarbonates.

Polyester is a category of polymers that contain the ester functional group in every repeat unit of their main chain. As a specific material, it most commonly refers to a type called polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

A polyester that has been modified by the addition of other chemicals.

A synthetic resin in which the polymer units are linked by ester groups, used chiefly to make synthetic textile fibres.

Any of numerous synthetic polymers produced chiefly by reaction of dicarboxylic acids with dihydric alcohols and used primarily as light, strong, weather-resistant resins in boat hulls, textile fibers, adhesives, and molded parts.

A wrinkle-resistant fabric of fibers made from any of these resins.

Any polymer whose monomers are linked together by ester bonds

A material or fabric made from polyester polymer

Of, or consisting of polyesters

Any of numerous synthetic resins; they are light and strong and weather resistant

A complex ester used for making fibers or resins or plastics or as a plasticizer

Any of a large class of synthetic fabrics

Copolyester includes co-monomers for added flexibility, whereas polyester is known for its durability and rigidity.

Yes, both can be recycled, but copolyester may require specific recycling processes.

Polyester is more commonly used in clothing due to its durability and ease of care.

Yes, its flexibility and chemical resistance make copolyester suitable for food packaging.

Both have environmental impacts, especially if not recycled properly, but efforts are ongoing to improve their recyclability.

Yes, for packaging applications, transparency can highlight product features attractively.

Yes, the varied monomers in copolyesters can provide enhanced chemical resistance.

No, flexibility varies, with copolyesters being more flexible than traditional polyesters.

Generally, copolyesters can be more expensive due to their specialized composition and properties.

Yes, polyester is inherently water-resistant, which makes it suitable for outdoor wear.

Co-monomers increase flexibility, lower the melting point, and can enhance chemical resistance.

The cost can influence usage, especially if recycling processes are complex or costly.

Rigidity ensures structural stability in industrial and packaging applications.

Its durability, ease of care, and resistance to shrinking and stretching make it popular.

Through recycling and the use of recycled polyester, they contribute to sustainability efforts.