What a year it’s been! As we wrap up 2023, we can’t help but smile as we reflect on the new milestones and accomplishments we reached. We smashed our annual sustainability goal out of the park, expanded our markets, and, most importantly, grew deeper connections with the ones that make it all possible - our cherished customers.
2023 was an unforgettable year for Universal Fibers®, which is why we’re rounding up our top highlights to commemorate it.
Eco-consciousness has been a vital part of our ethos from the start. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce yet another proud achievement this year.
Carbon reduction has been a key focus of ours since the launch of Thrive® back in 2016. We have worked hard to reduce embodied carbon from our materials by at least 10% year over year. It’s been a thorough and intentional process of sourcing responsible ingredients and piloting efficiency-driven projects on both small and large scales.
This September, we were able to celebrate the fruits of our labour when our Thrive® matter nylon 6 fibre, already the lowest carbon footprint in the industry, was third-party certified by UL® with an EPD verifying a carbon footprint of only 1.19kg/CO2 - a carbon rate that’s a whopping 89% lower than conventional virgin nylon 6 fibre.
With this great accomplishment under our belts, our teams have identified additional projects, and we are more excited than ever to continue innovating and organically reducing our carbon footprint into the new year and beyond.
2023 marked a significant year of growth for us, especially in our European markets. We saw our facility in Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland, successfully increase manufacturing capacities by adding state-of-the-art, one-step Tri-Colour capabilities. This effective and innovative solution allows us to provide our European customers with more flexible design options, sustainable processing, and easier access to our best-in-class service.
In March, we cemented our customer-centric approach with our YouFirst™ commitment. This company-specific pledge officially marks our dedication to always putting our customers’ unique needs and success first. Since its launch, it has helped us build deeper ties with our existing customers and opened the doors to new collaborations and partnerships. Not only has it brought us enhanced customer loyalty, but it has also helped us bring more unique solutions to the fibre market.
In 2023, we participated in the esteemed Clerkenwell Design Week for the second consecutive year. This event has brought us newfound industry visibility and, most importantly, engagement. Our captivating exhibit in Design Fields focused on discovery and sustainability. Interactions in our booth and with our Team attracted the attention of some of the industry’s best-known architecture and interior design experts and the general public. Our vibrant Promenade outdoor brand activation display became insta-famous for a few days during the event. This engagement led to a wave of new clients and collaboration opportunities post-show.
What We’ve Got In Store…
We couldn’t be more proud of our 2023 accomplishments, which have provided us with an abundance of motivation for the coming year. We know that 2024 will be epic. We’re fueled with industry insights and already have more events on the horizon, so stay tuned for exciting things in the new year!