Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact Jennifer.
While watching the Winter X Games recently, I came across a company named Repreve. They were advertising these really neat looking hats made from recycled materials.
Intrigued, I immediately visited the Repreve website to find out more.
Created by textile manufacturer Unifi, Inc., Repreve is a fiber made from recycled materials, including plastic water bottles.
Cool, right? Because what the heck are we going to do with all the plastic water bottles that we are so needlessly using?
According to Roger Berrier, president and COO of Unifi, “Repreve presents an exciting opportunity for our company to educate consumers that plastic bottles don’t belong in landfills, and that they can be recycled into products like clothes, performance apparel, outerwear and even car interiors.”
It takes more than 100 years for a plastic bottle to decompose in the landfill. More than 410 million plastic bottles were reclaimed and reused in 2012 Repreve U.S. production.
Repreve began as a demonstration of Unifi’s commitment to product innovation and sustainability. As textile manufacturers faced a difficult economy, they were looking for ways to reinvent the company. After three years in development, Repreve was introduced to the market in 2007.
Though others have since followed suit, Repreve is a leader in the recycled products industry. They are dedicated to high quality products and transparent, sustainable solutions. Even their operations are landfill-free.
As a recycling sponsor at the Winter X Games in Aspen, they partnered with snowboard medalist Elena Hight who served as Repreve brand ambassador to raise awareness about the importance of recycling and what can happen to plastic bottles when you recycle them.
Says Berrier, “We encourage consumers to choose products made with recycled materials like Repreve because they help sustain our natural resources and protect our environment.”
Repreve also gives back by donating a portion of sales to environmental causes. I love that you can vote for one of three great causes on their website so that they can put their money where their customers are most passionate.
You can take a look at their website to see all the neat things that are made with Repreve. Certainly a textile to remember when you are making your next purchase.
Do you pay attention to what the textiles you wear and use are made from?
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