Unifi is transforming the textile sector with another annual achievement.
The recycled fiber producer was honored as 2016 Fiber Producer of the Year at the World Textile Awards. Unifi was recognized for its outstanding product lineup, high-quality recycled fiber initiatives and its global textile solutions for retailers worldwide.
“We’re proud to be recognized as a leader in the textile industry,” Unifi president Tom Caudle said. “Through our dedication to developing innovative products that combine environmental responsibility, style and performance, we continue to accommodate the trends of our ever-changing field.”
The World Textile Awards is the first independent international awards competition that recognizes excellence in the textile industry and aims to bring together textile companies for future progress. Other 2016 winners included Poland-based Safilin for Spinner of the Year, Bangladesh-based SQ Celsius for Knitter of the Year and Bangladesh-based Hamza Textiles Ltd., which won International Textile Firm of the Year and Dyer & Finisher of the Year.
Unifi’s award follows the company’s recent expansion in Asia. On Jan.9, Unifi said it will sell Repreve recycled fiber in Vietnam by collaborating with local companies. The partnership enabled Century Synthetic Fiber Corporation to become a licensed manufacturer of Repreve and manage the distribution of Repreve filament yarn in the country. The collaboration is expected to heighten Unifi’s presence in Vietnam and help companies fulfill increasing demand in the global apparel market.
The company also released its second quarter results on Jan. 25. Net sales were $155.2 million during the second quarter ended December 25, 2016, which was slightly below $156.3 million in the same period of 2015. Operation income increased by four percent to $9 million from $8.6 million in the same period, due to international growth in Asia and Brazil and increased global demand for Unifi’s eco-friendly yarns. Unifi anticipates that fiscal 2017 results will be consistent with fiscal 2016 as the domestic market conditions remain complicated and import tariffs on international raw materials continue to climb.