
Nilit, one of the largest manufacturers of premium nylon 6.6 fiber, has developed a sustainability business strategy that encompasses all aspects of its operations.
The company, headquartered in Middal Haemek, Israel, also noted that it has taken significant measures to strengthen its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) position over the past three years. It has examined its products and manufacturing facilities, conducting complete Life Cycle Assessments (LCA).
The company has also ensured that its policies and procedures fully safeguard its employees and the communities in which it operates, while protecting the planet and the people who inhabit it.
“Respect for the planet and people has always been a Nilit core value,” Ilan Melamed, Nilit’s general manager, said. “Our dedication to responsible operations has never been stronger. But, most important for our brands and retailers, this formal sustainability business strategy focuses our ongoing commitment to creating more sustainable products that will make possible the beautiful, high quality, socially and environmentally considerate apparel that today’s consumers demand.”
Nilit’s sustainability business strategy focuses on reducing its carbon footprint, greenhouse gas emissions, consumption of water and other natural resources, and use of harmful chemicals and nonrenewable materials. It also aims to accelerate the creation and commercialization of new products that are bio-based, biodegradable and recycled.
The strategy calls for “adhering to the highest standard with regard to ethical business practices while treating employees, customers, suppliers, and partners with courtesy and respect and choosing to partner with those who do the same.” At the same time, it aims to support sustainability education and charitable programs in the communities in which it operates.
The company said in addition to implementing this sustainability business strategy in all of its global locations, it will work closely with supply chain partners to identify opportunities to enhance the sustainability of their products and procedures, as well.
Some of the new initiatives Nilit has implemented as a result of its LCA are moving to natural gas as the main source of energy at its largest manufacturing site and implementing processes for reduction of emissions. The company has also instituted recycling waste products that include emulsions, oils, electrical supplies, manufactured products and solvents. It has installed state-of-the-art water treatment systems, implementing policies to procure raw material from responsible vendors and optimized shipping and logistics to reduce the environmental impact of freight transport.
In its product array, Nilit is in the process of launching sustainable products in addition to its Nilit Ecocare recycled yarn. These products, set to be introduced in the coming months, use recycled material, biomass feedstock and decomposable ingredients, while using less energy, water and chemicals in manufacturing and downstream processing.