The new JV, Repreve Renewables, will begin by focusing on the commercialization of the Freedom Giant Miscanthus. The Freedom planting stock will be sold to US growers, which will in turn sell the energy crop as feedstock to the bioenergy and biofuel industries in the US and EU.
Phillip Jennings, COO of Repreve Renewables, said: “Partnering with Repreve, one of the leading environmental brands in the textile industry, will provide us with the opportunity to further expand Freedom Giant Miscanthus.
“Our goal is to develop the resources to economically produce sufficient energy from renewable resources to assist America in reaching its energy independence goals.”
Bill Jasper, CEO and president of Unifi, said: “This initiative will support our strategy to grow the Repreve brand and product portfolio, and will add to our commitment in being a global leader in sustainability efforts.”
