Unifi and its partners have recycled more than 14 billion bottles that are used to make its Repreve performance fibre. © Unifi

Now in its second year, Unifi Champions of Sustainability awards continue to recognise brands, retailers and textile partners that demonstrate the shared goal of making our planet a better place to live. This year, a total of 68 companies are being recognised as Champions of Sustainability – a 36% increase from last year's total. Thanks to help from partners, Unifi has now recycled more than 14 billion bottles that are used to make its Repreve performance fibre.

“The Repreve Champions of Sustainability awards highlight our brand, retailer and textile partners that are committed to a better tomorrow through their use of Repreve recycled performance fibres,” said Kevin Hall, Unifi's CEO.

“This year, Nike and Target join Polartec in the Billion Bottle Circle for recycling more than one billion bottles each. Ford and H&M have each recycled more than a quarter of a billion bottles. Additionally, adidas, Hanesbrands, Under Armour, Volcom, and Williams-Sonoma, Inc., are some of the brands that have reached new milestones. We're encouraged that so many major brands, retailers, and textile partners are increasing their commitment to sustainability and that consumers are continuing to choose more eco-friendly products.”

Repreve Champions of Sustainability will be awarded to 28 brand and retail partners that have each used the equivalent of 10 million or more bottles, and 29 textile partners that have each used the equivalent of 50 million or more bottles, through the inclusion of Repreve performance fibres.

Eight new brands and retailers join the list of winners this year, including Aeropostale, Patagonia and IKEA Range & Supply. In addition, 15 new textile partners have now each recycled 50 million or more bottles through their use of Repreve in the fabrics they produce.

“Together with our partners we can achieve our sustainability goals and make a real difference in the textiles industry as a whole,” added Mr Hall. “We're on track to reach our goal of recycling 20 billion bottles by 2020 and 30 billion by 2022.”

In addition to the bottle awards and those in the Billion Bottle Circle, Unifi is also recognising eleven special category award winners:

• Repreve Partners in Innovation recognises companies using Repreve in a way that's unique to the market. This year's winners are IKEA Range & Supply and KIPAS.
• Repreve Circular Economy recognises companies demonstrating best-in-class use of the closed loop concept, which aims to eliminate waste throughout the product life cycle. League Apparel and General Motors are being recognized as this year's winners.
• Repreve Newcomer recognises key companies that started using Repreve in the past year. Unifi is proud to recognize Inditex, Lovesac and New Balance for this award.
• Repreve All-In recognises companies that have integrated Repreve into their entire product line from the beginning of the partnership. Sherpani and American Flora are winners for their commitment to using Repreve.

Unifi will also be introducing a new Champions of Sustainability Leading the Change award, and the winner will be announced during a special event at the upcoming New York Fashion Week.

www.unifi.com