Contact: Karen Jenkins, (423) 926-9494, ext. 111
March 13, 2009 – Another “first” for Universal Fibers®, it’s appropriate that the first annual Bloom Award for Flooring is presented to Universal Fibers®, as they are the first in the industry to produce post-consumer Nylon 6,6 fiber. The Universal brand is called “ReFresh Fibers®”. ReFresh Fibers® is made from a sophisticated multi-step process that takes post-consumer carpet and turns it back into usable nylon 6,6 fiber maximizing the use of an abundant resource that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
“There are more than one billion pounds of used Nylon 6,6 carpet coming up off the floor every year, and Universal has developed the technology to turn that back into a quality usable product,” says Universal Fibers Vice President of Sales and Marketing Bill Goodman “It’s just part of our commitment to eliminating waste and be a better steward of the environment while still creating a superior product for our customers,” Goodman adds.
Universal Fibers® is a pioneer in environmental stewardship and ReFresh Fibers® is just one part of an overall sustainable effort by Universal Fibers® called EarthSmart Technology®. EarthSmart Technology® has various components including maximizing manufacturing processes and equipment, creating recycled and recyclable products, developing waste saving systems and facility conservation. It is also an overall attitude of environmental and social concern on the part of the company and its employees.
Universal Fibers® is also proud to be a sponsor of Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) and to work actively within that organization and the industry to promote sustainability.
“We are very honored to be awarded The Bloom Award,” Goodman says. “We like taking the lead to sustainability in fiber, and we sincerely hope others in the industry will commit to a sustainable business strategy as well.”
The Bloom Award is presented by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) in partnership with Interiors & Sources magazine the prize recognizes achievements of sustainable products in interior commercial design. Winners were chosen in five different categories: furniture, flooring, textiles, lighting and innovative materials. Michael Alin, ASID Executive Director says, “Green design is not a fad for our members, it’s part of practicing responsible design. We’re pleased to recognize the companies that are leading the way and allowing our members to create sustainable spaces.”
Universal Fibers® is a multi-platform producer of solution-dyed synthetic yarns for the commercial, transportation, residential and textile market. The company is both SCS, ISO 9001 and 14001 certified. For more information, please call customer service at 800-457-4759 or visit our website.