Nilit, one of the world’s largest producers of nylon 6.6 fiber for apparel and owner of the Sensil sustainable brand, has published a progress report on the goals outlined a year ago in the company’s first sustainability report, “Making Nylon Sustainable.”
The update details 2021 achievements in the areas of manufacturing product and social responsibility that are strategic components of Nilit’s comprehensive “Planet Promise” sustainability strategy.
“Our first sustainability report was quite expansive, covering a full range of initiatives to reduce our own environmental footprint and provide the outstanding nylon 6.6 products that enable a more sustainable textile and apparel industry,” said Nility general manager Ilan Melamed. “I am pleased that our strong sense of urgency to lessen our industry’s impact on the planet, a vision that is shared by our partner mills, brands and retailers, has inspired us to achieve many of our goals well ahead of our original schedule.”
Nilit said significant investments at its global facilities have substantially reduced the company’s manufacturing impact versus the 2017 baseline. Nilit’s largest facility, where polymerization, spinning and texturing are performed, reported 24 percent electricity savings, a 26 percent decrease in heating energy, a 32 percent cut in cooling and a 23 percent reduction in steam usage.
More specifically, conversion from fuel oil to natural gas generated an 86 percent emission reduction, while by using cogeneration steam, Nilit generates compressed air, cold water and, as a result, reduces electrical consumption of up to 4 megawatts and natural gas reduction of up to 75 percent.
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Nilit also focused on strategic product development last year and introduced several innovative, sustainable premium nylon 6.6 products under its Sensil consumer brand. These included Sensil By Nature, a nylon 6.6 for apparel that incorporates reclaimed biomass ingredients in place of fossil feedstocks to immediately reduce carbon footprint.
Also launched was Sensil BioCare, which is engineered, tested and proven to rapidly biodegrade in seawater and soil, lessening the persistence of textile waste in oceans and landfills, and Sensil WaterCare pre-dyed yarns that save 100 percent of the water used in the traditional wet dyeing process.
The company said recycled Nilit fibers save up to 830 kilograms of water per ton of polymer for an 80.5 percent savings.
In addition, Nilit noted that all Sensil premium nylon 6.6 products are designed to provide the quality, longevity, performance and aesthetics that conscious consumers require in their sustainable apparel.
The update also reviews NILIT’s progress against the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, management initiatives to sustain a healthy, productive and diverse workforce, as well as community programs that distinguish Nilit facilities as responsible corporate citizens.