Greensboro, N.C.-based textured yarn manufacturer Unifi Inc. announces its REPREVE products have earned Responsible Source certification from Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) Global Services, Emeryville, Calif.
Unifi is the first yarn manufacturer to be certified to the Responsible Source standard, which addresses supply chain and manufacturing issues in the textile sector related to the production of undyed recycled chips, pellets and manufactured fibers. The certification combines elements from International Labour Organization conventions, International Organization for Standardization standards and guidelines, U.S. federal regulations and existing SCS standards. Manufacturers that screen suppliers for compliance with local environmental regulations, enforce fair labor and workplace practices and account for human health and environmental life cycle impacts may be certified to the standard.
Repreve fiber is produced from pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) at the Repreve Recyling Center in Yadkinville, N.C. (see " Unifi Opens REPREVE Recycling Center," May 10, 2011, TextileWorld.com). The company monitors its energy and water consumption, water discharges, air emissions and hazardous waste disposal; employs traceability mechanisms; and maintains strong relationships with its vendors and suppliers. The Responsible Source certification process involved evaluation of Unifi's environmental performance in eight main impact categories. The company also established a framework for screening suppliers to assess risk throughout its supply chain.
"Responsible Source certification gives apparel and textile companies confidence that Repreve polyester inputs are both environmentally and socially responsible, providing a new level of transparency about raw material inputs for recycled products," said Stowe Hartridge-Beam, managing director of Environmental Certification Services, SCS.
"This certification is important to Unifi, as it further shows our commitment in providing our customers with quality, transparent and responsibly manufactured Repreve-based products," said Jay Hertwig, vice president of global branding, Unifi.
