The present invention relates to cost-effective and environmentally friendly polyester surfactants containing a condensation esterification product of a polyhydric alcohol, a multimeric acid, and at least one polyalkylene glycol for use in flotation deinking under traditional alkaline, reduced alkali, and true neutral deinking conditions. The polyester deinking surfactants of the present invention will effectively exhibit greater selectivity than traditional flotation deinking surfactants. In particular, the polyester deinking surfactants can give better foam control, improved yield, and no loss in ERIC reduction.