Buzz Gnosis

Polyester cloth was originally fabricated in England in 1941 by British scientists John Whinfield and James Dickson. Still, it wasn’t until 1950 that an American manufacturer, identified as Dupont, began to manufacture polyester in the United States.

Polyester fabric is characterized by its ability to resist both fading and shrinkage, establishing it as the most widely used fabric in the manufacturing of clothing since 1960. Likewise, it became a frequent alternative in the manufacturing of table linens, chair covers, place mats, table skirting and aprons. As well accepted as it was for garments and interior decor, it was not the foremost pick for napkins. It was discovered that napkins made of 100% polyester lacked absorption and did not have the feel of cotton affiliated with pricy table linen.

Enter spun polyester. Spun Polyester was first developed for industrial use and home furnishings. When Johnson Industries sought to produce a spun polyester they could utilize in boat coverings they actually ended up with a material that was lighter in weight with a better feel to it. They also found that dying made the fabric even softer. This was a material that would be ideal for table cloths.

Johnston Industries felt so strongly about their find that they ceased the development of boat covers. Bob Pomeranz, an expert in fabrics, accepted the task of improving spun polyester at Johnston Industries. His complete knowledge of spinning machines allowed him to spin a material free from pilling, the wretched fiber bunches that detract from a cloths appearance. The final result was a long-lasting table linen that would retain its colouring, discharge soil and not shrink.

Table linens produced of spun polyester could at once feature the grain of cotton cloths and most significantly, unlike cotton, a spun poly table linen would not fade following umpteen washings. To a greater extent, the more you laundered a spun polyester table linen the softer and better it would feel to the touch.

Eventually, the textile industry started to utilize spun polyester for placemats, chair covers, skirting, aprons and even table napkins. In fact, where table napkins produced of 100% polyester lacked absorption-spun polyester table napkins did not.

Both 100% polyester and spun polyester have their place, not just in the home, but in hotels, nursing homes, hospitals and the party rental industry as well.