US: Unify to recycle fabric scraps into Repreve yarn Unifi Inc is taking its Repreve recycling scheme to another level by teaming up with fabric firm Polartec to turn polyester cut-waste back into its yarns.
In what is described as a first of its kind initiative, the Repreve Textile Takeback Program will recycle various Polartec polyester manufacturing scraps, including supply chain waste and post-consumer fabrics into a new Repreve 100 branded yarn.
This yarn, exclusive to Polartec, will consist of a blend of recycled bottles and recycled fabrics and wi11 be used to produce performance fabrics for the outdoor apparel market.
"The industry continues to focus on ways to reduce textile fabric waste throughout the supply chain; however as a bi-product of manufacturing, waste is still created,"explains Roger Berrier, president and CEO for Unify.
"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."
Working with Unifi and Polartec on the Repreve recycled fibres process was military apparel maker Peckham
"In typical garment manufacturing,10% to 20% of all fabric produced becomes cut-waste left over after panels are cut,"says Andy Vecchione, president and CEO of Polartec.
"This fabric has historically been down-cycled into batting or simply sent to the landfill. We can now use this waste stream to create new, first-quality performance Polartec fabrics.
"Polartec has pioneered the recycled fabric category and we continue our commitment to reducing our overall footprint. In 2011, over 40% of our total production will utilise Repreve 100 recycled yarns and we expect that number to grow in 2012 and beyond."
Unify launched Repreve in 2006 and has been investing in its development ever since. Earlier this year it opened an $8m recycling centre to expand production capacities the recycled fibre. And this week it said full-year profit had more than doubled to $25.1m after sales rose 15% to $708m Source: Just Style