American & Efird (A&E) one of world's leading manufacturers of sewing thread, embroidery thread and technical textiles for worldwide industrial markets, announced the release of its transparent 2012-2013 Sustainability Report. The report highlights the company's leadership and steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
"We're gratified that our newest sustainability report shows improved cumulative results from the impact of our efforts and investments," said John Eapen, Vice President Environmental, Health & Safety/Sustainability at American & Efird. "We remain especially proud of our zero liquid discharge plant in Perundari, India, the first in the thread industry, as well as our 50 per cent 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 RSL is revised biannually and reflects international safety and environmental standards and restrictions.
One of the first thread manufacturers to adopt a global standard of measurement, A&E uses critical data to scrutinize its engineering protocols, equipment specifications and emerging technology, with the express purpose of upgrading systems and continuing its trend of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The company achieved its goal of 20 per cent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from 2006. Through the use of engineering protocols and equipment specification and the adoption of emerging technologies and system upgrades, A&E reduced both power consumption and fuel-burning activities.
