American & Efird (A&E), Mount Holly, N.C., has released its 2012-2013 Sustainability Report.
“We’re gratified that our newest sustainability report shows improved cumulative results from the impact of our efforts and investments,” says John Eapen, vice president of environmental, health and safety/sustainability for A&E. “We remain especially proud of our zero liquid discharge plant in Perundari, India — the first in the thread industry — as well as our 50% recycle/reuse facility in Dongguan, China. The water conserved by our facilities in India and China is equivalent to the daily water usage of nearly 7 million people within these countries.”
A&E follows the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) standards for restricted substances. The AAFA’s Restricted Substances List (RSL) provides guidelines for the use of chemicals and substances that are restricted or banned in the production of home textile, apparel and footwear products.
The company uses critical data to scrutinize its engineering protocols, equipment specifications and emerging technology, with the purpose of upgrading systems and continuing its trend of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The study analyzes the actual results of all of A&E’s global yarn spinning, dyeing and finishing facilities, as well as its global carbon footprint, water conservation, energy consumption, recycling and waste reduction. A summary of the company’s study results since 2006 are as follows:
Global Carbon Footprint
• The company achieved a 20% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from 2006.
• The company reduced both power consumption and fuel-burning activities.
Water Conservation
• The company achieved a 20% improvement in water conservation on a global basis over the past seven years.
• In India, the company saved the equivalent of water used daily by nearly 3 million people in India.
• In China, A&E saved the equivalent of water used daily by nearly 4 million people in China.
Energy Conservation
• From 2006-2012, power consumption was reduced by 6%.
• During the past seven years, A&E has saved 95 million kilowatt hours of electricity.
Sustainable Packaging, Recycling & Waste Reduction
• In Sri Lanka, the goal of “Zero Waste to Landfill” was achieved in 2012.
• A&E has achieved 98% of its goal of “Zero Waste to Landfill” in the United States.
For a copy of the full 2012-2013 Sustainability Report, click here.
For more information, visit amefird.com. — L.M.
