Two Triad-based publicly traded textile companies have collaborated to to divert tens of millions of plastic bottles from waste streams by recycling them into fabrics for the home.
Since introducing its LiveSmart fabric line in 2019, High Point-based Culp Inc. (NYSE: CULP) has converted more than 63 million bottles by incorporating REPREVE recycled fiber made by Greensboro-based Unifi Inc. (NYSE: UFI) into its upholstery and mattress fabric products.
LiveSmart Evolve is made with at least 30% of REPREVE yarn. Because of the pandemic and an increased consumer focus on the safety and comfort of the home, Culp reports it has seen growing interest across its LiveSmart portfolio of performance fabric products, including LiveSmart Outdoor, LiveSmart Ultra, LiveSmart Barrier Plus and LiveSmart Evolve.
“Culp is grateful to have such a strong relationship with Unifi, and the use of REPREVE in our upholstery fabrics has been a phenomenal success,” said Culp Senior Vice President of Marketing and Design Tammy Buckner. “Demand for fabrics with a sustainability focus has been propelled during the pandemic. It is no longer just words, but consumers are taking action to make sure their home purchases reflect their own commitment to bettering the environment.”
Culp is among the world's largest manufacturers and marketers of mattress fabrics for bedding and upholstery fabrics for residential and commercial furniture. It has manufacturing operations and sourcing capabilities in the United States, Canada, China, Haiti, Turkey and Vietnam.
In addition to focus on environmental responsibility through its products, Culp has incorporated sustainability initiatives in its manufacturing and daily operations. The company’s production facility in Quebec, Canada uses 99.8% hydro and wind power to provide renewable energy, and its production plant in Knoxville, Tennessee uses solar power for its operations. The company also practices water conservation and re-use at its Stokesdale facility, and utilizes paper recycling programs across all of its U.S. and Canadian facilities.
In 2020, Culp achieved landfill-free status at all U.S. manufacturing facilities for its mattress fabrics division, and in 2021, the company joined the Sustainable Furnishings Council to help raise awareness and promote the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices in the home furnishings industry.
Demand for REPREVE yarns is growing, and Unifi is working to keep up with demand. In April, Triad Business Journal reported Unifi was holding a hiring day to fill dozens of positions in two Triad-area plants.
“Our partnership with Culp is a win-win for the environment,” said Unifi Vice President of Global Brand Sales Brian Moore. “Together, we're able to transform plastic bottles into REPREVE recycled fiber and give them a second life while combining sustainability and performance.”
In another Triad collaboration, Unifi has partnered with Greensboro-based Precision Fabrics Group, which incorporates REPREVE yarns into fabrics for medical-grade PPE made by Massachusetts-based Merrow Manufacturing.
Unifi is a global textile solutions provider and one of the world's leading innovators in manufacturing synthetic and recycled performance fibers. Through REPREVE, it has transformed more than 20 billion plastic bottles into recycled fiber for new apparel, footwear, home goods and other consumer products. It operates recycling and manufacturing facilities in Reidsville, Yadkinville and Madison.
