Burlington Industries Inc. and Thread International have teamed up to develop responsible fabric innovations.
Burlington, a division of the International Textile Group, is partnering with Thread as the exclusive global woven manufacturer to develop socio- and eco-conscious fabrics.
Through Thread’s “Ground to Good” program that takes plastic waste from the landfills, canals and streets of Haiti and Honduras, Burlington and Thread said they will develop fabrics that “fulfill the market’s growing demand for cleaner, more eco-conscious products.”
“Working to stimulate change in Third World communities has become an exciting opportunity for all of us at Burlington, one we know that will have a lasting impact on many lives as it provides jobs and offers a high quality upcycled fabric for consumers that is environmentally and socially responsible.” said Jeff Peck, president of Burlington Worldwide Group.
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An official Bluesign System partner, Burlington said it remains committed to reducing manufacturing impact on the environment and people without compromising the quality, function and design of its technologies, including those created through its Thread partnership.
Under Bluesign’s guidelines, only approved dyes, chemicals and raw materials are allowed in the manufacturing process, with on-site inspections to verify proper application in a controlled and responsible environment.
Burlington, based in Greensboro, N.C., has seven manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Mexico that support a variety of business sectors, including the wool suiting, contemporary apparel, activewear, and uniform and career markets, as well as the U.S. military, government and law enforcement.
Established in 2010, Thread has as a key part of its mission the maintenance of a clean, transparent supply chain with the lowest carbon emissions. Based in Pittsburgh, with operations in Haiti and Honduras, Thread transforms collected plastic bottles from Haitian and Honduran streets, canals and landfills to turn them into bolts of fabrics, creating job opportunities and raising living standards in low-income countries.
ITG had net income of $392,000 in 2014, on consolidated net sales of $595.4 million.