A look back

As we rang in the New Year last week, we couldn't help but reflect on the achievements that 2024 brought us. A look back confirms it was a year marked by innovation, meaningful impact, and advancements in our customer collaborations. As we are already hard at work on the projects and partnerships that this year has in store, we've put together a highlight summary—just in case you missed it.

The Global Impact of Product Innovation 

Thrive® matter became the world’s first fibre to achieve Cradle to Cradle Gold and Silver material health certifications under the rigorous new v4 standard, setting a new benchmark for environmentally conscious, solution-dyed, high-performance nylon fibres.

We also published our Sustainability Snapshot, illustrating Universal Fibers’ continued commitment to reducing environmental impact and advancing our social responsibility.

Recognizing that collaboration is key to achieving meaningful impact at scale, in 2024 we amplified our efforts through strategic partnerships with suppliers, customers, and industry organizations.

Staying Connected -

vital when you want to make a meaningful impact

At Universal Fibers, staying connected with industry partners and innovators is vital to making a meaningful impact. Our global team once again joined our European team at Clerkenwell Design Week in London. This year, our Global Head of Marketing, Jennifer Roundtree, created a unique ‘impact quiz’ to spark that same passion in visitors and partners.

Anna Plumb, VP of Sales for Europe, said, "We love the vibrant atmosphere of Clerkenwell Design Week. Our ‘impact quiz’ offered a fun and engaging way to explore how we can all make a difference—much like the redesigned ReFigure installation, symbolizing our journey of creativity and sustainability.”. 'ReFigure' transformed elements from our 2023 installation, ‘Promenade’ into a series of colourful and creative resting spaces, inviting visitors to engage with the space in a new way. 

As well as sponsoring the Global Project of The Year at the renowned FX Awards held at Grosvenor Hotel in London, our team were part of the conversation at major industry conferences this year. 

Ranae Anderson, Universal Fibers Global Sustainability Leader was part of GreenBuild, a cutting-edge professional community, dedicated to improving sustainability, resilience, equity, health and wellness in the spaces we live, work, play and learn. With decarbonization at its core, Ranae engaged with industry leaders to discuss the positive impacts of LEED v5 and strategies for reducing embodied carbon in buildings.

Other Global events included showcasing Universal Fibers capabilities at Domotex Asia/Chinafloor in Shanghai this year, and supporting customers where several new products with our yarns were launched at NeoCon in Chicago.

Impact through customer centric partnerships

We have enjoyed working with so many of our clients to launch new collections and celebrate their projects.

Seeing Thrive® matter, our most sustainable fibre yet contribute to Forbo’s sustainable vision, with the launch of their new Tessera Topology collection was a real highlight. Our innovative yarn, paired with Forbo’s lean production processes, resulted in carpet tiles with over 75% recycled content and a very low embodied carbon (less than 1.5kg CO2 per square metre). 

Milliken Floors also proudly announced that Thrive® matter yarn is being utilised in three of its collections from July 2024. We were aware that Milliken are constantly looking for ways reduce embodied carbon without compromising quality, so were delighted when they selected Thrive® matter, the lowest carbon footprint yarn in the World that also delivers outstanding performance, durability, and exceptional colour.

Crafted with Universal Fibers Thrive® matter yarn, this autumn Burmatex®, launched snowfall®, a groundbreaking carpet tile that seamlessly blends innovative design with environmental responsibility. Thrive® matter is also used in their arctic® plank tile collection, which was selected by Bond Bryan architects for their new offices. Bond Bryan is known for creating lasting sustainable environments and are committed to becoming a truly Net Zero practice.

Mohawk Group launched their innovative Pattern Collection which they also used to refurb their London showroom. The three designs within Pattern are inspired by the unique responses to ways individuals work and thrive. Mohawk recognizes that creating adaptable designs goes hand-in-hand with delivering sustainable solutions. Through their partnership with Universal Fibers®, they ensure a positive environmental impact by incorporating innovative Thrive® matter yarn in their collections.

In the Asia Pacific region, Mooiflor, a global pioneer in sustainable materials, partnered with Universal Fibers in launching three new carpet tile products in China. These innovative new products were Inspired by natural landscapes of deserts and mountains, and use Thrive® matter yarn to boost environmental benefits and bring the wonders of nature indoors, offering consumers a visual and tactile feast. Neal Shi, Universal Fibers Marketing Manager for China said, “We are excited about these new products hitting the market in 2024, this helps to underline Mooiflor’s commitment to aesthetics, quality, and sustainability.” 

These collaborations reflect our unwavering commitment to providing innovative, sustainable solutions that drive positive change in the built environment.

Who We Are – an opportunity to meet the people powering our innovation journey

The true strength of Universal Fibers lies in the hands, hearts, and minds of our people. The "Who We Are" series is a celebration of the individuals who breathe life into our company's vision, culture, and commitment to excellence. Last year we introduced you to a few of our driving forces, brilliant minds, and the dedicated teams whose collective efforts deliver unrivalled innovation and progress. 

We look forward to sharing more stories in upcoming months, until then, meet a few of the people driving our innovation journey:

• Ranae Anderson, Global Sustainability Leader
• Anna Plumb, VP of Sales and Marketing in Europe
• Bart Meuleman, Universal Fibers Sales Manager Europe
• Justyna Lyczko, Head of Engineering at Universal Fibers Europe, Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland
  
  

We couldn’t be more proud of our accomplishments in 2024, and we are motivated for the year ahead - so stay tuned for exciting things to come this new year! 

Want to learn more about Universal Fibers® or connect with our Team?