Reduce, Reuse, Recycle … then what?
We have all heard the common saying “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”. As a kid I knew that once a year at school it was hammered into us to ‘make the world a more beautiful and cleaner place”. But as a 10-year-old all I wanted to do was go play outside and could literally not care less about the product lifecycle of my plastic water bottle.
However, in the age where almost 8 million metric tons of plastic bottles are ending up in the ocean, many textile companies are taking a closer look at how they can be an agent for change. Unifi, Inc and New Era Cap Co. Inc have recently teamed up to produce the first ever NBA cap made from plastic bottles, for the Portland Trail Blazers. The caps are made from a fiber called REPREVE; which is made from plastic bottles that contain PET, polyethylene terephthalate. The plastic bottles are shred into flakes, melted, and extruded into what is called REPREVE fiber that is used in numerous fabric products.
Unifi, Inc. and the brands that utilize the REPREVE textile fibers have a mutualistic relationship when it comes to collaboratively marketing products. Apparel brands such as, Patagonia, Fossil, and most recently New Era Cap Co. Inc advertise that their products are made from this type of eco-friendly fiber. Which in return helps Unifi, Inc promote their name and mission to the general public by educating a wider base of consumers on the importance of recycling. Unifi, Inc receives large amount of marketing and advertising with little cost or investment.
Unifi, Inc provides the growing customer base an extensive list of brands to support and purchase products from. Brands like New Era Cap Co. Inc are able to continually solidify their commitment to becoming a more sustainable, environmentally conscious and progressive brand.
New Era Cap. Co and Unifi, Inc are providing a level of transparency not many apparel and textile manufacturers are willing to give their customers. Through the Unifi, Inc. U Trust verification program and FIBERPRINT technology, consumers are able to ensure that products made with REPREVE are traceable, transparent and environmentally responsible. Unifi, Inc also has a Take Back Fibers program, where consumers are able to return garments to be recycled for REPREVE fibers. Unifi, Inc. also established an online and on -the -road campaign called #TurnItGreen, where the team goes around the country educating consumers on the importance of recycling and promoting eco-friendly companies.
New Era Cap Co. is making it a priority to be involved and invested in corporate responsibility of the factories they work with, the environment, and by getting involved in the local community. New Era Cap Co. is involved in a Social Compliance program which “operationalizes their commitment to responsible sourcing through education, risk assessment, strong partnerships with their suppliers, industry collaboration, promoting best practices, and stakeholder engagement.” The company also volunteers time in the local Boys and Girls Club to help children develop and see their full potential.
Both Unifi, Inc and New Era Cap Co. are forward thinking companies and are putting into action the business practices of sustainability and environmental consciousness. New Era Cap Co. now has a platform and can begin to manufacture other products they sell to be eco-friendly. From snapbacks to knitted hats, each product will reach a different customer base and will in return educate more people about the need for recycled fibers. Unifi, Inc was recently interviewed by the online publication Gear Junkie discussing where the company can grow and improve from here; “Unifi recently expanded the REPREVE Recycling Center, increasing total capacity for REPREVE production to more than 70 million lbs. We also have built an incredible program around the authenticity and benefits of REPREVE through programs like #TurnItGreen and FiberPrint technology, which is translating into retail marketing growth.”
These companies are making the change they want to see in the world. What will YOU do?
