Polyester fibers and blended fabrics - The "durability warriors" and cost-effective tools for economy hotels

When we talk about high-end experiences, pure cotton reigns supreme; however, when it comes to the vast economy-class hotel market and the huge laundry costs behind hotel operations, polyester fibers and polyester-cotton blends are the true "mainstay".

You might come across the rejection of pure polyester in high-end guides, considering it "hot and stuffy" and "capable of generating static electricity". However, in actual hotel operations, fabrics that are completely free of synthetic fibers are almost impossible to survive. The addition of polyester mainly addresses the "natural shortcomings" of pure cotton: shrinkage and durability.

During holidays, the frequency of linen washing can reach 2-3 times that of normal days. Pure cotton is prone to fiber breakage and shrinking hardening when washed in strong alkaline and high-temperature industrial water. However, polyester fibers have high strength, strong elasticity recovery ability and excellent wear resistance. Currently, the "TC" fabric (a blend of polyester and cotton, such as 65% polyester + 35% cotton) that is selling well on the market can withstand hundreds of industrial washes without deforming.

Economy hotels usually have limited staff. Pure cotton bedding needs to be ironed after washing to eliminate wrinkles, as otherwise the room occupancy rate would be affected. However, fabrics containing polyester have the feature of being wearable after washing (anti-wrinkle). Even after simple washing and drying, they still remain flat, significantly reducing the workload of the linen room.

For hotels with hundreds of rooms, the initial purchase cost can vary significantly. A set of 40 pieces of pure polyester or polyester-cotton three-piece sets has a much lower unit price than the same specification of pure cotton. This enables hotels to more flexibly control their cash flow during economic downturns or when occupancy rates fluctuate.

Don't think that polyester fibers are synonymous with low quality. Currently, improved recycled polyester is on the rise in the market.

With the global trend towards sustainability, an increasing number of international hotel groups are demanding the use of "recycled polyester fibers" for their bedding. These fabrics, through technological processing, have improved breathability and mimicked the feel of cotton.

In addition, some suppliers have launched moisture-absorbing and sweat-wicking functional polyester. Through the technology of irregular cross-section fibers, sweat is quickly conducted to the surface of the fabric for evaporation, thus solving the problem of excessive heat and discomfort caused by traditional polyester.

For hotels, guesthouses or fast hotels that focus on turnover rate, it is recommended to purchase "CVC" fabric (mainly composed of cotton, with the proportion of polyester being less than 50%). CVC retains the comfortable feel of cotton while also having the durability of polyester. It is one of the best choices currently available in the market for balancing "guest experience" and "operating costs".