Greensboro, N.C.-based Unifi Inc. — a producer and processor of multifilament nylon and polyester
textured yarns and related raw materials — has added a first-quality, 100-percent recycled
polyester staple fiber to its Repreve® family of products. The fibers can be spun on open-end,
ring- or jet-spinning equipment.
“Based on the success that our customers have had using our Repreve filament products, they
began encouraging us to expand our recycled product offering to include polyester staple fibers,”
said Roger Berrier, executive vice president, Unifi. “In 2008, estimated global polyester staple
fiber consumption was approximately 20 billion pounds. Based on this global consumption
opportunity, Unifi accelerated the introduction of this new environmentally friendly fiber as part
of the company’s mission to provide the industry with sustainable textile solutions.”
In other Unifi news, the company now offers an online fabric certification program for its
branded products, intended to streamline the process and increase speed-to-market for its
customers. The program was developed in conjunction with Bozeman, Mont.-based TEXbase Inc., a
collaborative material management and development software company. TEXbase’s Web-based platform
automates the certification process and eliminates the need for e-mails and spreadsheets. All
product specifications are stored in a central database where customers may check the status of
their certification or request logos, hangtags and samples. In addition, retailers may search for
certified products by fiber, construction, weight and technical features.
“Our partners are always interested in ways to shorten the product development cycle,” said
Berrier. “The TEXbase system allows us to provide our partners a direct link into the certification
portal and fabric library for real-time data input, searching and collaboration. In response to our
customers’ needs, we’re making it easier for them to develop innovative, quality products more
efficiently.”
January 20, 2009
