Eastman Naia is doubling down on its promise of sustainability, even as market challenges persist. At the recent Textile Exchange Conference in Lisbon, the fiber maker shared updates on its sustainability goals and outlined future plans focusing on climate action, circularity, and community well-being.
Ruth Farrell, Eastman’s general manager of textiles, emphasized that while sustainability may not dominate the industry in the coming years, Eastman’s dedication remains strong.
To combat climate change, Eastman aims to cut its greenhouse gas emissions from U.S. fiber production by 35% by 2035. The company is also on track to achieve a 40% reduction from its 2019 levels by 2030, having already made 6.16% progress. Operationally, they are working toward net-zero emissions by 2050.
A significant step in measuring their environmental impact is the company’s updated life cycle assessment methods. By shifting to primary data from suppliers instead of relying on secondary sources, Eastman is enhancing the accuracy of its assessments. This includes aligning with the European Product Environmental Footprint standards.
Eastman is also making strides in waste reduction, aiming for zero landfill waste in its U.S. Naia production by 2030. They are committed to Textile Exchange’s voluntary Materials Matter Standard, which focuses on climate, human rights, and biodiversity.
In a significant achievement, Eastman launched Naia Renew ES in 2022, a fiber that exceeds its goal of having at least 60% recycled content. This product is already being used by brands like Patagonia and Reformation. Looking to the future, Eastman plans to introduce a fiber made from 60% apparel waste by 2028.
However, achieving circularity in textiles is complex, as Eastman learned when it fell short of its goal to have 50% of its textile portfolio made from Naia Renew by 2025. As they push forward, the company aims for 90% Naia Renew by 2030. To support this effort, Eastman has partnered with Huafon Chemical to ramp up production.
Claudia de Witte, Eastman’s marketing and sustainability director, acknowledged the challenges in achieving circularity, stressing the need for regulatory reforms and industry collaboration.
At the conference, Eastman showcased its Naia fibers in various applications, highlighting their versatility. They also achieved a goal to trace fiber sources from wood pulp or recycled material to the factory stage. As of now, over 1.4 million garments containing Naia are tracked through their digital platform.
In addition to environmental concerns, Eastman is dedicated to social responsibility. Their initiatives include educational programs and support for indigenous communities, respecting their rights and promoting biodiversity. For instance, after Hurricane Michael, Eastman collaborated with The Longleaf Alliance to donate 60,000 longleaf pine seedlings to help restore Florida’s Torreya State Park.
“We’re focused on more than just textiles; we aim to positively impact people’s lives,” Eastman states in their report. Their commitment to engaging communities and fostering sustainable practices is both ambitious and necessary in today’s world.
For a deeper understanding of the sustainability landscape in textiles, you can explore the Textile Exchange’s annual reports.
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Circularity,Eastman,GHG emissions,Naia
