NOW AVAILABLE; Universal Fibers® 2024 Sustainability Snapshot Report
September 24, 2024 – Universal Fibers® has released our latest Sustainability Snapshot, illustrating our continued commitment to reducing environmental impact and advancing our social responsibility.
In a world where transparency around sustainability and corporate responsibility is increasingly prioritized, we at Universal Fibers® are proud to be a leader in the industry. Our latest Sustainability Snapshot reflects our unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship and social responsibility, offering reassurance and pride to our stakeholders, investors, employees, and industry peers.
This report showcases our significant milestones, including recognition as a "Virtual Zero Waste Company," which highlights our innovative recycling efforts and commitment to diverting waste from landfills. We are also proud to celebrate our Thrive® matter fiber earning Cradle to Cradle v4 certifications—an industry first. We’re not just meeting sustainability goals; we’re setting new standards.
Phil Harmon, our President, emphasizes the long-term vision guiding our work: “We seek opportunities to better what we find and use less to produce more. And although we take great pride in our over 50-year legacy of stewardship, our journey is far from over.” His words reflect our relentless pursuit of innovation in sustainability.
Ranae Anderson, our Global Sustainability Leader, details our holistic approach to accountability. “We measure progress through our unique four-point EnLIST® program and encourage everyone in our supply chain to enlist in our sustainable journey,” says Anderson. Our EnLIST® program focuses on four critical areas: transparency through third-party accreditation, life cycle analysis, energy and material impact reduction, and a commitment to social responsibility.
We’ve already made impressive progress. Over the past decade, we’ve steadily reduced our carbon emissions by a minimum of 10% year-over-year, with no intention of slowing down. As Roger Seow, VP of Sales for APAC, notes, our product achievements with Thrive® matter exemplify what can be accomplished when artistry, performance, and sustainability converge.
But our journey doesn't stop with carbon footprints and certifications. We’re deeply committed to social initiatives that span the globe, from investing in local communities to ensuring the well-being of our associates. Through charitable outreach projects and rigorous standards in supplier relations, including conflict-free sourcing, we uphold a holistic approach to sustainability.
As Jennifer Roundtree, Global Marketing and Brands Director, emphasizes, “Sustainability at Universal Fibers is not just about carbon reduction—it’s about people. And that begins with where we work and live locally, regionally, and globally.”
Looking forward, our vision includes achieving net-zero emissions and aligning with circular economy principles. As Anna Plumb, our VP of European Sales states, “Contrary to popular perception, we see impact as a good thing—it’s a chance to create meaningful, positive change.”
We’re not just contributing to the conversation around sustainability—we’re driving it forward. Our ongoing commitment to environmental and social responsibility continues to set a blueprint for others to follow, proving that in the quest for a sustainable future, every step forward counts.
Universal Fibers® Sustainability Snapshot -
Download the full report or to read more, visit universalfibers.com/sustainability
