The rise of the textile and garment industry has played an important role in the development of economy and people's livelihood, but pollution problems have also followed. At this stage, the fashion industry (textile and garment industry) has become the world's second most polluting industry, second only to the oil and gas industry. This is because the textile manufacturing industry consumes a lot of water, produces millions of tons of waste, and emits 5% to 10% of the global total of greenhouse gases each year. The maintenance of textile equipment usually consumes more energy and water than the manufacturing process.

This time, MIT scientist Sforlanner Poliskina and his colleagues used standard textile industry processes and equipment to produce fibers, yarns and fabrics made of polyethylene (PE). This polyethylene is completely recyclable and is one of the most commonly used plastics today. The research team found that even without any chemical treatment, these fabrics have the characteristics of stain resistance, good water absorption, and fast drying.