#Sustainability

2021-10-14

Unifi champions sustainability at Fall Furniture Market

Unifi, Inc. (NYSE: UFI), one of the world’s leading innovators in recycled and synthetic yarns, is helping to make the home furnishings industry become more sustainable. Company leaders are hosting and taking part in three panel discussions (described below) during this year’s High Point Fall Furniture Market as part of the “Sustainability Stories” series by the High Point Market Authority (HPMA).

The REPREVE® Mobile Tour will also be at Furniture Market from October 15 to 19, demonstrating, through an interactive experience, how Unifi’s technology transforms plastic bottles into fibers used in furniture and other consumer goods.

“As furniture brands continue to make more sustainable choices in their product designs, we support and empower their transition to more responsible sourcing,” said Jay Hertwig, senior vice president of commercialization at Unifi. “Partnering with the HPMA and having a presence at the largest home furnishings industry trade show in the world is a natural fit for Unifi and REPREVE. This is an excellent opportunity to highlight leading brands who are already using REPREVE and further the awareness of sustainability in various applications.”

The Big Shift: Why Circular Design is the Way of the Future

The next generation of consumers is more mindful about the environment and climate change than ever before, and there is great demand for the furnishings industry to shift from the linear make-take-toss lifecycle into more circular and sustainable practices. Chad Bolick, Unifi’s vice president of global key accounts, will join other panelists for a discussion about replacing the end-of-life concept with upcycling, shifting toward renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, eliminating the use of toxic chemicals, and aiming to eliminate waste.

3 Distinct Views - One Eco-Focused Goal

Rachel Bradley, Unifi brand sales manager, will lead a panel where participants will discuss their eco-friendly lifestyle perspectives, tips for shopping sustainably, and favorite Furniture Market sustainable sources. Participants will also share their unique views on sustainable products on display during the “Sustainability Stories” program.

Eco-Friendly Manufacturing: A look behind the scenes

Hertwig is participating in a panel featuring updates from Unifi and other manufacturers who will share insights on how they create sustainable products and source sustainably.

“The industry is becoming increasingly more aware of the value and importance of sustainable practices,” said Tom Conley, president and CEO of HPMA. “Through our “Sustainability Stories” activation at Center Stage during Fall Market, we aim to highlight those who have embraced an eco-friendly focus and provide an opportunity for discovery and education so the industry can continue to make strides towards a more sustainable future.”

Market attendees can view the full schedule and programming elements for Center Stage, here:

https://www.highpointmarket.org/events/sustainability-stories

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

Updated supply chain taxonomy advances apparel alignment

The apparel alliance (Apparel Impact Institute, Cascale, Textile Exchange, and ZDHC Foundation) today announced the launch of Version 2 of the Supply Chain Taxonomy, an updated harmonized framework designed to improve consistency, transparency, and collaboration across the textile, clothing, leather, and footwear (TCLF) sectors of the broader apparel industry.

Indovinya advances sustainable solutions with agreement for the supply of renewable Oxygen from Air Liquide

Indovinya, the specialty chemicals and surfactants division of Indorama Ventures, has entered into an agreement with Air Liquide — a world leader in gases, technologies, and services for industry and healthcare — for the supply of renewable oxygen. The agreement represents a strategic advancement in Indovinya’s commitment to sustainability, as it increases the share of renewable raw materials in the production of ethylene oxide, one of its key products.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.

C&S strengthens its governance to support its evolution

C&S announces the appointment of Marco Lucietti to its Board of Directors. With extensive international experience across the textile and denim industries, Lucietti will work alongside CEO Federico Corneli, contributing to the company’s managerial development, organizational structure and long-term strategic direction.