American & Efird publishes sustainability report

03/01/2012
Specialist supplier of sewing thread to the footwear industry American & Efird released a new sustainability report on its own business at the end of 2011. The headline finding was that the company has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 7.7% in the last five years.

John Eapen, the company’s vice-president for the environment, health and safety, explained on launching the report: “We launched an eco-driven programme in 2009 that consists of Ten Threads of Sustainability as a formal series of goals and objectives that continue to drive day-to-day activities at all of our global facilities. By adhering to the strict guidelines on all fibres, dyes, chemicals, lubricants and manufacturing processes, we were able to see tremendous reduction of our carbon footprint, and our water and energy consumption.”

As well as the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the report recorded a 9.6% reduction in water consumption between 2005 and 2010, equating to 1.3 million cubic-metres of water saved. There was also a 4.5% reduction in energy use in the same five-year timeframe. American & Efird also says only 5% of waste from its US operations is now going into landfill and the company is committed to achieving 100% recycling of wate by improving its waste separation processes and employee training in this area.