Fairfield, New Jersey-based Precision Textiles has partnered with Unifi Inc., the makers of Repreve recycled performance fiber, to use Unifi’s recycled polyester yarn to manufacture its filler cloth products.
Repreve is a recycled polyester fiber brand developed to address the growing concern related to plastic waste in the environment. Its yarns are spun from recycled plastic bottles that might otherwise end up in landfills and oceans.
“We are extremely proud to be the first and only FR nonwoven component supplier to use Repreve recycled performance fiber in our products,” said Gerry Welkley, national sales manager at Precision Textiles. “This technology is being used in many other industries by some of the world’s most recognized brands, so we are very excited to bring it to the mattress industry.
“Today’s consumers are increasingly conscious of their environmental impact with their product purchases. Because we consume millions of pounds of yarn during the manufacturing of our filler cloth products, our collaboration with Unifi showcases our dedication to meeting these consumer expectations for our customers and reaffirms our commitment to a more sustainable future.”
Every 100-yard roll of the company’s Endure IFR and Advantage SB non-woven products will include Repreve recycled performance fiber that is made from 228 recycled water bottles, company officials said. As a result, Precision Textiles could eliminate more than 20 million plastic water bottles from waste streams on an annual basis.
“Our customers consistently ask how we are handling sustainability and what we can do to help them improve their efforts to manufacture eco-friendly products,” said Bob O’Connell, executive vice president of marketing and merchandising at Precision Textiles. “Our partnership with Repreve answers the call and allows our customers to be part of this initiative.”