Achievements in environmental stewardship and global social impact are revealed in Universal Fibers 2024 Sustainability Snapshot
In its latest Sustainability Snapshot, Universal Fibers® illustrates its continued commitment to reducing environmental impact and advancing its social responsibility.
Since its last published CSR report, Universal Fibers has achieved year-over-year carbon reduction. Today, Universal Fibers is recognized as a “Virtual Zero Waste Company” and, earlier this year, became the first in the industry to earn Cradle to Cradle v4 material health certifications on their most sustainable fiber, Thrive® matter.
President of Universal Fibers, Phil Harmon, said, “At Universal Fibers, we seek opportunities to better what we find and use less to produce more. And although we take great pride in our over 50-year legacy of stewardship, our journey is far from over.”
Ranae Anderson, Global Sustainability Leader, adds, “We measure progress through our unique four-point EnLIST program, and we encourage everyone in our supply chain to enlist in our sustainable journey. We believe full transparency elevates the value of collaboration with our partners.”
Universal Fibers’ EnLIST® program incorporates four fundamental pillars: providing Transparency through third-party accreditation; Life Cycle analysis, both pre and postproduction; reducing Impact on energy and material consumption; and a focus on Social Responsibility for their associates and the global communities in which they operate.
Key highlights of the report include:
Carbon Reduction: As an early adopter of the industries 2030 Challenge for Embodied Carbon, Universal Fibers has demonstrated consistent year-over-year progress in reducing carbon emissions for almost a decade, which has YTD resulted in a minimum of a 10% decrease in their carbon footprint (this comes from organic reductions – before any additional offsets or external offset projects.)
Zero Waste: Universal Fibers recognition as a “Virtual Zero Waste Company” has been achieved by investing in smart recycling processes to divert their largest waste streams from landfills.
Cradle to Cradle Certification: In 2024, Universal Fibers’ Thrive® matter became the first fiber in the world to achieve Cradle to Cradle gold and silver material health certifications with the rigorous new v4 standard.
Roger Seow, VP of Global Sales, said, “Combining artistry and performance is key to being one of the world’s most sustainability-minded fiber producers. Each advancement builds a new foundation for future progress.”
But it doesn’t stop here, Universal Fibers commitment to sustainability extends to meaningful social initiatives across the globe. This dedication to social responsibility is an integral part of their overall mission to help build a more sustainable and equitable future.
Social Responsibility: The Sustainability Snapshot provides comprehensive insight into the company’s commitment to social responsibility, both locally and globally. From supporting dozens of charitable outreach projects each year to how they ensure the physical and mental wellbeing of their associates and their families. Universal Fibers also believes in doing business with suppliers who share their commitment to sustainability through sound environmental management and sourcing conflict-free minerals; this is underpinned by their Code of Conduct.
Jennifer Roundtree, Global Marketing and Brands Director, explains, “Sustainability at Universal Fibers is not just about carbon reduction—it’s about people. And that begins with where we work and live locally, regionally, and globally.”
Universal Fibers eco-journey is an inspirational one that takes a holistic look at how they can reduce their impact. As a global manufacturer, they are committed to regional project investments and have a team dedicated to making a positive difference globally. With aspirations to achieve net-zero emissions and increase their alignment with circular economy principles, Universal Fibers is ensuring that every action moves them closer to a future where sustainability is a foundation for everything they do and create.
Anna Plumb, VP of European Sales and Marketing, sums this up perfectly, “Contrary to popular perception, we see an impact as a good thing – it’s a chance to create meaningful, positive change.”
Click to view Universal Fibers’ full Sustainability Snapshot.
