Recycled- Fiber Program Encompasses Manufacturers and Consumers
Unifi and Polartec want their textiles back. And your manufacturing scraps, too.
The two companies are partnering to launch the Repreve Textile Takeback Program to collect polyester fabric scraps and post-consumer-waste polyester textiles, which will be recycled into Unifi’s new Repreve Takeback fiber.
“The industry continues to focus on ways to reduce textile- fabric waste throughout the supply chain. However, as a byproduct of manufacturing, waste is still created,” said Roger Berrier, Unifi president and chief operating officer. “The Textile Takeback Program provides the industry with a responsible and sustainable outlet for this waste while expanding the growth and reach of the Repreve brand.”
Unifi and Polartec partnered wi th Lansing, Mich.–based Peckham Inc. to develop the process for recycling Polartec polyester cut waste into the new yarn. Dubbed Polartec Repreve 100, the new yarn is a blend of recycled bottles and recycled fabrics. Polartec Repreve 100 will be used to make Polartec performance fabrics for the outdoor-apparel market.
“In typical garment manufacturing, 10 to 20 percent of all fabric produced becomes cut waste left over after panels are cut,” said Andy Vecchione, Polartec president and chief executive officer. “This fabric has historically been down cycled into batting or simply sent to the landfi l l . We can now use this waste stream to create new, first-quality performance Polartec fabrics.”
This year, 40 percent of Polartec’s total production will include Repreve 100 recycled yarns. The company expects that number to grow next year, according to Vecchione.
Going forward, Unifi plans to expand its Repreve Textile Takeback Program to include other partners.
Greensboro, N.C.–based Unifi produces multi-filament polyester and nylon textured yarns and related raw materials for the apparel, legwear and home-furnishings markets, as well as medical, industrial and military applications. Lawrence, Mass.–based Polartec produces performance fabrics for base layers, insulation and extremeweather protection.
For more information, visit www.unifi.com, www.repreve.com or www.polartec.com.
