Glen Raven Technical Fabrics, a division of Glen Raven, Inc., manufactures a broad portfolio of performance textiles: protective apparel fabrics, military textiles, automotive fabrics, and specialty materials for the mining, awning and marine markets. The division has been working diligently for many years to manufacture its performance fabrics in ways that are considerate of the environment and of the people who make and use their fabrics.
“At Glen Raven Technical Fabrics, we don’t view our environmental program as a stand alone initiative,” says Hal Bates, marketing director for Glen Raven Technical Fabrics. “Treating the environment respectfully is an important component of our total corporate responsibility commitment as is respecting our employees, our customers, and the end users of our products.”
Glen Raven Technical Fabrics was one of the first manufacturers to sign onto the E3 Program, the American Textile Manufacturers Institute’s environmental program established in 1992. “The E3 program helped us form our environmental attitude. We quickly accomplished all the easy fixes then looked for more ways to make our products better for everyone involved,” says Bates.
To take their environmental initiative to the next level, Glen Raven manufacturing facilities launched aggressive projects to reduce, reuse, and recycle—the three actions environmental experts avidly recommend. Facilities engineers designed methods to reduce water, natural gas, and electricity usage resulting in 10% consumption drops this year alone. Glen Raven invested in state-of-the-art boilers for more efficient steam production as well as other equipment upgrades. Engineers substituted biodegradable cleaning agents for solvents in coating processes. Facilities partnered with suppliers to develop reusable chemical drums, fabric tubes and other shipping and storage tools. The plants found markets for fabric trimmings and other waste products.
“Our plant employees play a critical role in our environmental efforts,” says Bates. “We invest in serious materials handling training so that our employees can work safely and avoid accidents that can harm them or pollute the environment.” Several Glen Raven plants have been designated by the NC Department of Labor as Carolina STAR facilities, the highest level of recognition for outstanding employee safety practices.
Glen Raven has developed several performance fabrics that have environmental and human ecology benefits. GlenGuard® FR, the company’s performance fabric for protective apparel and workwear, gets its flame resistance from aramid fibers rather than from being treated with harsh chemicals. Plus, GlenGuard FR is Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certified to be free of harmful levels of more than 100 substances known to be potentially dangerous for humans. Auto Guard™, Glen Raven’s performance fabric for automotive packaging is made with 30% recycled material.
“Our ultimate goal,” says Bates, “is to develop innovative fabrics that deliver outstanding performance and are made with respect for the environment and the people who make and use them.”
Headquartered in Glen Raven, North Carolina, Glen Raven is a global leader in performance fabrics. Founded in 1880 by John Q. Gant, Glen Raven is still owned and managed by his descendents. The company is renowned for its specialty fabrics marketed under such well-known brand names as Sunbrella®, Dickson®, Patio500™, Minemaster™, and GlenGuard®FR.
Visit www.GlenRaven.com , or call 1-800-630-3759 to learn more.
Source: Glen Raven, NC – March 5, 2009, company release
