SUSTAINABILITY
Solving for the
big picture
Sustainability is woven into our DNA at Elevate Textiles. It’s part of everything we are, everything we do, and everything we strive to be.
Check Out Our 2024 Sustainability Report
Our Previous Reports
2030 Sustainability Goals
Elevate brands are committed to achieving sustainability milestones by the year 2030 in key environmental areas – climate change, water stewardship, products and materials, and people.
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Climate Change
Elevate is committed to the phasing out of coal and our Science Based Target of a 46.2% reduction in scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, and strives to attain 100% renewable electricity.
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Water Stewardship
Elevate is targeting a 40% water usage reduction, an increase in water recycling capabilities through UF/RO systems, continued 100% ZDHC MRSL compliance, and Level 2/Progressive in ZDHC Supplier to Zero for relevant facilities.
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Products & Materials
Elevate strives to attain 100% preferred and low climate impact fibers in our priority materials (polyester and cotton) and no landfill waste.
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People
Elevate will reduce our incident rate by 10% each year (with the goal of no safety incidents), and at least 50% of suppliers will conduct environmental and social audits.
Water
Handling the planet’s most precious resource with care
Sustainable water usage is about more than just saving water. We’re committed to the highest standards in water management and treatment, and always looking for opportunities to minimize our water footprint through investment and innovation.
Reduced Water Use
Globally, our overall water use has reduced by 36% since our 2019 baseline year.
Wastewater Recycling
Elevate recycles wastewater through the operation of three Zero Liquid Discharge facilities, recycling up to 90% of the wastewater back into the manufacturing process.
Energy
Keeping focus on energy efficiency
Our drive to improve energy efficiency and minimize our carbon footprint is unwavering at Elevate Textiles—one that continues as we meet new challenges and show results through investments in technology and conservation training.
Cogeneration
Cogeneration supplies 90 percent of the electrical needs of Cone Denim Parras in Coahuila, Mexico.
Science Based Targets
We have achieved a 35% reduction in scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions due to the efforts of our facilities.
Waste
A commitment to zero waste
Our drive to minimize waste and recycle our resources in every way possible is a commitment that’s central to our core values and the way we do business. From the materials we purchase to the manufacturing byproducts we recycle, the goal is always zero waste.
Our Standards
Pledging consistent,
responsible chemistry
Sustainability and consistency in the manufacturing process and our commitment to the use of clean chemistry—and only clean chemistry—is fundamental to the way we do business. Just as important, it’s a pillar of what we believe to be our social responsibility.
Sustainable Components
From procurement to final product.
We promote sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.
Partners
New elements.
New technologies.
New breakthroughs.
One of the keys to a sustained success and a sustainable future is having the right partners—partners as dedicated to responsible practices and innovative ways to improve performance on every level as we are.
Specializing in Sustainable Fibers
Biodegradable Fibers
Recycled Yarn
Natural Colorants for Textiles
Technology for Climate Sustainability
Recycled Thread and Yarn Using Bottles
Recycled filament from Sea Debris
Recycled Polyester Fibers
Highlighting Solutions
REPREVE®
Turning recycled bottles
into ethical threads
One significant way Elevate Textiles has ensured a positive and sustainable global impact is through the use of REPREVE®—a performance fiber made by Unifi from recycled plastic bottles.
A&E offers a number of sustainable REPREVE thread products for use in apparel and non-apparel applications, which gives manufacturers, brands and retailers the ability to create environmentally responsible products.
Burlington has been recognized by the makers of REPREVE as a “Champion of Sustainability” for recycling over 100 million bottles. This award celebrates Unifi’s brand and textile partners who have shown exemplary commitment to sustainability.
Cone Denim has also been named a REPREVE “Champion of Sustainability” for its role as a Partner in Innovation. The Cone-Unifi partnership led to development of TruTone™ Future BLACK+ denim. A pair of these TruTone jeans contain as many as 17 recycled plastic bottles.
Social Responsibility
Our principles guide
our work and actions
In the same way we take pride in being responsible producers of quality fabrics, solutions and services on a global scale, we place the highest value on the safety and well-being of our employees.
We know our employees are responsible for our success, which is why we invest in their training and development as well as a world-class safety program. We believe in open communication, cooperation and mutual respect— with each other, our customers, suppliers, investors and the neighbors in the communities where we live and work.