PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2010 Sustainability Report Confirms
American & Efird’s Commitment to Environmental Responsibility
Leading Sewing Thread Manufacturer Reduces Emissions By 7.7%
MOUNT HOLLY, NC, December 20, 2011 – American & Efird – (A&E) one of the world’s leading manufacturers of sewing thread, embroidery yarns and technical textiles for worldwide industrial markets, today announced the release of its transparent 2010 Sustainability Report which details its 7.7 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over the past five years.
One of the first thread manufacturers to adopt a global standard of measurement, A&E uses critical data to scrutinize its engineering protocols, equipment specs, and emerging technology, with the express purpose of upgrading systems and continuing its trend in greenhouse gas emission reduction.
“In spite of the best practices we have implemented throughout our 120 year history, in 2009 we launched an Eco-Driven program that consists of Ten Threads of Sustainability as a formal series of goals and objectives that continue to drive our day to day activities, at all of our global facilities, in the direction of sustainability,” said John Eapen, Vice President Environmental, Health & Safety at American & Efird. “By adhering to the strict guidelines on all fibers, dyes, chemicals, lubricants and manufacturing processes that are used worldwide to manufacture thread; we were able to see tremendous reduction of our carbon footprint, and our water and energy consumption.”
The study analyzed the actual results of all of its global yarn spinning and dyeing and finishing facilities in which A&E has ownership. Categories measured in the report include global carbon footprint, water conservation, energy consumption, recycling, product stewardship, and Eco-Driven education & involvement. A summary of results are as follows:
Global Carbon Footprint[1]
7.7 percent reduction over the past five years.
In 2009, A&E observed a reduction in the total emissions, with a slight increase in 2010, which is directly attributed to a boost in production between 2009 and 2010.
Water Conservation
9.6 percent reduction in total water consumption from 2005 to 2010.
The reduction equals about 1.2 million cubic meters, which is roughly equivalent to the total daily usage of 8.6 million people in India or 25 million people in Bangladesh.
Energy Consumption
4.5 percent reduction in total energy usage over the past five years.
This reduction equals 68 million kilowatt hours or the approximate annual energy consumption of almost 14,570 European families.
An increase in total energy consumption from 2009 to 2010 is a direct result of improved volume in production.
Recycling
A&E is 95 percent to its goal of “Zero Waste to Landfill” in the U.S.
The remaining five percent will be accomplished through employee training and an improved waste separation process.
Product Stewardship
A&E passed its annual certification with Oeko-Tex to provide customers comfort and security in knowing that A&E products do not contain hazardous chemicals. Oeko-Tex Certification is generally defined as a “voluntary hazardous chemical certification program.” In addition to annual submission for testing, A&E receives random audits throughout the year.
A&E continues to follow the standards set forward by the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) Restricted Substance List (RSL), which provides global standards for chemicals and substances that are restricted or banned in the production of home textile, apparel and footwear products. The list is revised bi-annually.
Eco- Driven Education & Involvement
A&E is very active in helping promote involvement in sustainable activities. A&E representatives speak frequently to industry groups and customers about sustainability and their own Eco-Driven activities.
For a copy of the full 2010 Sustainability Report, please contact Mark Hatton at mark.hatton@www.amefird.com or (704) 951-2516.
ABOUT AMERICAN & EFIRD
Headquartered in Mt. Holly, NC, American & Efird has manufacturing centers and distribution points in 41 countries. A&E maintains a longstanding commitment to Environmental Health & Safety, Sustainability and Social Responsibility in all of its worldwide operations. For more information on American & Efird, visit the website at www.amefird.com.
[1] Greenhouse gas emissions are calculated using The Climate Registries General Reporting Provision (GRP), a recognized industry standard for calculating emissions.
For More Information Contact:
Mark Hatton
American & Efird
mark.hatton@www.amefird.com
Phone: 704.951.2516
