Unifi strives to make Repreve greener
16/06/2010
Starting in February 2011, new recycling technology will give Unifi greater control over the production of the recycled chip that it uses to make Repreve polyester fibres, making it possible for the company to recycle for its own post-consumer and post industrial fabric waste.
“Bringing the extrusion process in house is a natural next step for us,” said Roger Berrier, executive vice-president for Unifi on making the announcement. “Being more vertically integrated will significantly increase our product development capabilities and capacity.”
The company has also purchased a 40% interest in a biomass feedstock company. The new joint venture, which will be called Repreve Renewables, will focus on the direct sales of Freedom Giant Miscanthus to farmers, who in turn will supply the product to bioenergy and biofuel operations in the US and the European Union. Freedom Giant Miscanthus is non-invasive and is the highest-yielding crop, available on a commercial scale; it is extremely efficient in converting sunlight to biomass energy.
“We are continually looking for innovative, sustainable initiatives, and we are very excited about participating in this renewable energy opportunity,” said Unifi chief executive, Bill Jasper. “Both of these initiatives will support our strategy to grow the Repreve brand and product portfolio, and will add to our commitment in being a global leader in sustainability efforts.”
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