Unifi continues to drive recycled textile innovation with the launch of the REPREVE® Textile Takeback Program.

Unifi reports that “millions of pounds of textile manufacturing scraps end up in landfills every year,” which is why they’ve collaborated to create the REPREVE Textile Takeback Program. The program will give fabrics a second chance by recycling them back into REPREVE recycled fibers. Polartec will also partner with Unifi to launch this innovative new program.

REPREVE is no stranger to the sustainable style scene with brands like hand bag designer Julie Apple, lifestyle brand RESTORE CLOTHING as well as textile innovator Polartec® being forward thinkers that have incorporated the performance yarns. While many in the fashion industry keep leaning towards traditional eco fabrics made from bamboo and organic cotton, future predictions for a need to consume water, land and other precious natural resources begin with a more logical approach which comes with recycling.

“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,” said Roger Berrier, president and COO for Unifi. “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.”

Polartec (formerly Malden Mills Industries), already introduced Repreve 100 – a 100% PCR yarn, made from recycled plastic bottles. With this new recycled fabric waste fiber, Polartec’s commitment to eco-engineering, reducing waste and depending more on recycling for raw materials has made them an industry leader based in the U.S.

“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.”

Polartec says by end of 2011, over 40% of their total production will utilize REPREVE 100 recycled yarns and they expect that number to grow in 2012.

Image: KirkOls

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