As a producer of multi-filament polyester and nylon textured yarns, Unifi Inc., Greensboro, N.C., has positioned itself as a leader in sustainability and green initiatives. The company reinforced its reputation in June when it invested in two new projects focused on recycling and biomass energy. The recycled chip used to make Unifi’s Repreve polyester fibers will now be generated in-house with new state-of-the-art recycling equipment for post-consumer and post-industrial fabric waste.

In addition, a joint venture with a biomass feedstock company will encourage farmers to buy and plant the Freedom Giant Miscanthus, a non-invasive, high-yield grass that efficiently converts sunlight to biomass. After the grasses are harvested, they can be burned as fuel.

The Freedom Giant Miscanthus was developed and trademarked by Mississippi State University for use as a biomass fuel.