Universal Fibers Releases Sustainability Snapshot

Bristol, Virginia, September 24, 2024-Universal Fibers has released its latest Sustainability Snapshot, illustrating the company’s continued commitment to reducing environmental impact and advancing its social responsibility.

Since its last published CSR report, Universal Fibers has achieved year-over-year carbon reduction. Today, Universal Fibers is recognized as a “Virtual Zero Waste Company” and, earlier this year, became the first in the industry to earn Cradle to Cradle v4 material health certifications on their most sustainable fiber, Thrive matter.

Universal Fibers’ EnLIST program incorporates four fundamental pillars: providing Transparency through third-party accreditation; Life Cycle analysis, both pre and postproduction; reducing Impact on energy and material consumption; and a focus on Social Responsibility for their associates and the global communities in which they operate.

Key highlights of the report include:

• Carbon Reduction: As an early adopter of the industries 2030 Challenge for Embodied Carbon, Universal Fibers has demonstrated consistent year-over-year progress in reducing carbon emissions for almost a decade, which has YTD resulted in a minimum of a 10% decrease in their carbon footprint (this comes from organic reductions – before any additional offsets or external offset projects.)
• Zero Waste: Universal Fibers recognition as a "Virtual Zero Waste Company" has been achieved by investing in smart recycling processes to divert their largest waste streams from landfills. 
• Cradle to Cradle Certification: In 2024, Universal Fibers’ Thrive® matter became the first fiber in the world to achieve Cradle to Cradle gold and silver material health certifications with the rigorous new v4 standard.

Universal Fibers commitment to sustainability extends to meaningful social initiatives across the globe. This dedication to social responsibility is an integral part of their overall mission to help build a more sustainable and equitable future.

• Social Responsibility: The Sustainability Snapshot provides comprehensive insight into the company's commitment to social responsibility, both locally and globally. From supporting dozens of charitable outreach projects each year to how they ensure the physical and mental wellbeing of their associates and their families. Universal Fibers also believes in doing business with suppliers who share their commitment to sustainability through sound environmental management and sourcing conflict-free minerals; this is underpinned by their Code of Conduct.

To view Universal Fibers’ full Sustainability Snapshot, click here.