Unifi Shows Support for Sustainability, Partners with Stanford Athletics

COVID-19 has undoubtedly changed the landscape of college sports, and Unifi Inc.—a textile and recycled and synthetic yarns provider—shows its support for Stanford Athletics and the environment by teaming up with Stanford’s Tree House program.

Stanford Athletics stages more than 450 trees—its beloved and unofficial mascot—in its stadium. As part of the program, fans can join the Tree House and receive a pair of performance socks donated by Unifi, as well as a commemorative T-shirt, both made with REPREVE recycled fiber.

“We’re proud to be a part of Pac-12 Team Green and support sustainability across college campuses,” says Jay Hertwig, senior vice president of commercialization at Unifi. “Each T-shirt is made from REPREVE fiber using six recycled plastic bottles, and each pair of REPREVE socks uses one recycled bottle. Everything we do is for the good of tomorrow, and we hope this will encourage people to continue recycling and keep bottles out of landfills.”

The drought-tolerant, locally sourced trees remain in Stanford Stadium all season long. Stanford Athletics waters and cares for the trees throughout the season. Afterward, local city works departments and other nonprofits will replant them in Bay Area communities. The replant grows urban forest canopy, helps address climate change, and creates healthier communities that are greener and more resilient, according to Unifi.

“While Stanford’s fans can’t be at the stadium in person, we hope this program is a fun way to help them continue to cheer on their team while improving the environment at the same time,” says Jamie Zaninovich, deputy commissioner and chief operating officer of Pac-12. “When companies like Unifi that are dedicated to sustainable futures get involved in projects like this, we create a global force for good in the drive toward a greener world to help leave a positive legacy.”