Unifi to launch new product certification and innovations at Outdoor Retailer

Unifi, Inc., makers of REPREVE, is launching an enhanced supply chain certification process and two new products at Outdoor Retailer’s Winter Market, taking place from January 26-28, 2022, in Denver, Colorado.

U TRUST® Product Certification, REPREVE SmartDye™ technology, and Berry Compliant Knit Cord are three additional innovations that strengthen and reinforce Unifi’s dedication to sustainability, transparency, and customer service.

The U TRUST Product Certification allows brands to obtain an additional level of transparency for their products made with REPREVE recycled fibers and builds on other Unifi certifications: Scientific Certification Systems, U TRUST Fabric Certification, the Global Recycle Standard certification, and Oeko-Tex certification.

In addition to these existing safeguards, the U TRUST Product Certification allows brands to combine multiple REPREVE certified fabric components in a single product and uses a physical tracer (Unifi’s FiberPrint® technology) that can be audited, proven, and found in the product throughout its life cycle.

Jay Hertwig, Unifi’s senior vice president of commercialization, said that their newest certification gives brands extra peace of mind that goes beyond what a solely transaction-based certification can deliver. The credibility of this certification can be verified by third parties. The U TRUST Product Certification Validator tool also adds new capability to the certifications of corporate brands and retailers.

Unifi is also introducing REPREVE SmartDye lower-temperature dyeable recycled polyester. When compared to ordinary polyester, the product saves a lot of energy and cuts down on cycle time. REPREVE SmartDye, which is available in REPREVE Polyester Staple Fiber and REPREVE Filament Fiber, enhances dye cycle efficiency and saves up to 30% energy without sacrificing fabric performance.

In addition, the company is launching Berry Compliant Knit Cord, a high-quality synthetic cord that’s excellent for comfortable earloops for normal, surgical, KN95, and N95 respirator masks. It’s soft, long-lasting, and robust, and it’s packaged on yarn bobbins rather than loose in boxes. This product is highly customizable since it comes in nylon and polyester, a range of colors and designs, and a variety of sizes.

Eddie Ingle, CEO of Unifi, said that through these three new improvements, they are listening to their consumers and helping to satisfy their evolving demands. What sets REPREVE apart is that it is transparent, traceable, and certified, and they’re working hard to improve on those features. They’re delighted that their new products are created in a sustainable manner using their vertically integrated supply chain in the United States. This, together with their new certification, will allow their customers to continue to convey eco-friendly brand stories.