Unifi’s REPREVE Receives First Sustainability Scorecard

Unifi Inc.’s flagship recycled brand REPREVE receives its Higg Materials Sustainability Index (Higg MSI) scores. The Higg MSI scores are used to communicate data about a product’s performance and validate sustainability progress. The results serve as a public scorecard for sharing the profile and data of a product’s environmental impact.

According to the Higg MSI study, U.S.-manufactured REPREVE reduces global warming potential by 21% compared to generic, mechanically-recycled polyester and 42% compared to conventional virgin polyester. The Higg MSI global warming potential is related to greenhouse gases. Based on the score, REPREVE is verified to have a lower carbon footprint than comparable materials.

“We continue to build on our commitment to transparency by having the results of our REPREVE Life Cycle Assessment verified and accepted into the Higg MSI,” says James Cooper, Unifi sustainability manager. “REPREVE manufactured in the U.S. has a lower global warming potential than standard rPET, providing our customers with a verified pathway to lower their environmental impact and meet their sustainability goals.”

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool measures the environmental impacts over the whole life cycle of a product or service, including emissions and consumption of material resources. The Higg MSI scores are based on an LCA reviewed by the global, multi-stakeholder nonprofit alliance for the consumer goods industry, Sustainable Apparel Coalition, and its technology partner, Higg Co.

“At Unifi, we’re working today for the good of tomorrow, and these scores validate our belief that we are having a positive impact on the future through the growth of REPREVE,” adds Unifi CEO Eddie Ingle.