Unifi reaches 30 billion bottle recycling target early

Unifi, based in Greensboro, North Carolina, has turned more than 30 billion post-consumer plastic bottles into Repreve recycled performance fibers, which are used by hundreds of the world’s most recognizable companies.

Only two brands used Repreve when it was first introduced by Unifi. More than 1,000 manufacturers employ recycled performance fibers around the world, and Repreve sales are approaching 40% of Unifi’s overall sales, with that percentage likely to rise in the coming year.

Unifi CEO, Eddie Ingle, said that they were able to achieve this milestone thanks to their brand and mill partners. By switching to Repreve and opting for sustainability, they’ve been able to keep more than 30 billion plastic bottles out of landfills.” They’d want to express their gratitude to customers for choosing Repreve-made products, which range from garments to home furnishings to shoes.

James Cooper, Unifi’s sustainability manager, said that they expect businesses to continue to transition to Repreve, allowing us to enhance recycling rates and give plastic bottles a second life. As we look to the future, they plan to grow to new brands and applications, as well as establish circular programs that will allow them to continue to exist.