Unifi Inc., a global textile solutions provider and maker of REPREVE sustainable fiber, recently named the recipients of its sixth annual REPREVE Champions of Sustainability awards. The awards “acknowledge leaders in sustainable production and retail” and “honor the transformation of single-use plastic bottles into new consumer products,” states a press release from the company.

The 2023 awards go to 33 brand and retail partners that have transformed 10 million or more recycled plastic bottles and 59 textile partners that have transformed 50 million or more recycled plastic bottles using REPREVE performance fibers.

Image courtesy of UNIFI.

Unifi calls out these partners for their major milestones:

• Williams-Sonoma Inc. and Deckers Brands (TEVA/UGG) have each transformed 100+ million plastic bottles.
• American Eagle Outfitters received the Newcomer Award for transforming 25+ million plastic bottles in one year alone.
• H&M received the Special Recognition Award for using REPREVE Our Ocean fibers and yarns and has transformed 600+ million plastic bottles.

Other winners that have crossover in the wholesale apparel and textile industries include Elevate Textiles, Gildan, and HanesBrands.

“We are thrilled to honor our 2023 REPREVE Champions of Sustainability,” said UNIFI CEO Eddie Ingle in a press release. “At UNIFI, we deeply value our extraordinary partners who have demonstrated that sustainability is an integral part of their business practice. Together, we will continue to work with these companies to reduce negative environmental impacts and be good stewards of our planet and our future, while inspiring our industry to do the same.”

In total, REPREVE Champions of Sustainability recipients have helped transform nearly 26 billion recycled plastic bottles into everything from new apparel and footwear to home goods and other consumer products. View the full list of honorees at repreve.com/champions-of-sustainability.

SVP of Global Brand Sales Jay Hertwig added: “Our partnerships are mutually beneficial; we are helping brands and mills meet their sustainability goals while they help us continue to be a catalyst for a more sustainable future through impactful changes in their fiber choices.”

Other wholesale apparel brands that use REPREVE fiber include Allmade, Aramark, Next Level Apparel, and Vapor Apparel. Unifi, together with these brand partners and others, has diverted 35 billion plastic bottles from the waste stream.