Greensboro - Textured yarn supplier Unifi has announced a major expansion of its Textile Takeback program. The initiative is designed to collect and recycle polyester-based fabric waste, including both pre- and post-consumer fabrics, and transform it into its Repreve brand of recycled performance fibres.

With millions of tons of textile waste discarded each year, Textile Takeback aims to transform the industry’s take-make-waste model by providing a sustainable way to recycle landfill-bound textiles and create new products.

Through Unifi’s proprietary process, the company transforms dyed and undyed polyester-based textile discards into recycled resin through an innovative material conversion process. The recycled resin is then converted into Repreve fibre, or it may be blended with recycled bottle material to achieve desired specifications. The material then begins its life cycle again and avoids a trip to the landfill. By focusing on sustainable solutions that create a closed-loop circular system, Textile Takeback from UNIFI serves as an actionable step towards addressing the industry’s waste footprint.

“Unifi has always seen sustainability as a movement – not a moment,” said Eddie Ingle, chief executive officer of Unifi. “We are thrilled to expand Textile Takeback™ to provide our partners with a sustainable solution that helps to create a more circular supply chain for all.”

Initially piloted in 2011, Textile Takeback will include an expanded global footprint and product application scope, making a sustainable solution for waste accessible to partners at scale.

“Finding new ways to help our partners meet their sustainability goals is always top of mind,” added Meredith Boyd, SVP of Technology, Innovation & Sustainability of Unifi. “By expanding our Textile Takeback initiative, we are one step closer to shaping a future where waste is the exception – not the rule.”