Issue link: https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1451361
A P P A R E L D E C O R A T I N G A s consumers march toward a more mindful car- bon footprint, eco-friendly products have a more prominent role on store shelves – and corporate environmental responsibility is becoming a larger part of the green narrative. Consumers are taking a more ho- listic view of sustainability, looking beyond the end result to consider distribution, production, and even materials sourc- ing and worker compensation, says Jay Hertwig, vice presi- dent of commercialization at Uni, a global textile solutions provider and maker of recycled ber REPREVE. "Modern consumers are part of a highly-connected world," he says. "More and more, they understand we have large plastic gyres in our oceans; they understand our natural resources are being depleted and, as a result, they have a heightened aware- ness of the importance of protecting our environment for future generations. Our customers understand that consumers expect them to be a part of that solution." According to the 2021 Global Sustainability Study, approxi- mately 85% of surveyed international consumers said they had altered their purchasing behavior in favor of more sustainable choices during the past ve years. e study, which spanned 10,000 people across 17 countries, revealed how these buying behaviors vary by country and generation. 5 0 G R A P H I C S P R O A P R I L 2 0 2 2 G R A PH I C S - PR O.C O M Lane Seven Apparel says on average, one eece hoodie uses recycled polyester made from nine post-consumer bottles – resulting in 18 million re- cycled plastic bottles dur- ing 2021. (Image courtesy Lane Seven Apparel) B Y S T E F A N I E G A L E A N O - Z A L U T K O The Fight for Sustainability COMPANIES PUSH FORWARD WITH INITIATIVES TO REDUCE THEIR FOOTPRINT