Invista's Cordura brand team has unveiled a new sustainability platform: the Cordura Cares program. The program consists of three pillars: Sustainable Performance, Enduring Materials, and Corporate Responsibility. These pillars are anchored by the tagline “Sustainability begins with products that last.”
As part of the Sustainable Performance pillar, the brand will heighten its efforts to communicate the value of products that have passed Cordura brand qualification testing by ensuring the proper identification of products made with the fabric. For example, the brands recently updated global hang-tag program reassures consumers that Invistas Cordura brand is providing them with solutions that are durable and long-lasting.
“We are constantly looking at increasing the utility and durability of our products and other ways we can benefit the environment,” says Cindy McNaull, global Cordura brand manager. “For us, durability is nothing new. Its who we are and will continue to be.”
The platforms Enduring Materials pillar focuses on eliminating manufacturing waste through recycling, continuously seeking ways to reduce resource consumption, and the incorporation of recycled and renewable components that deliver the same best-in-class durability performance expected from the Cordura brand. One of the latest products to be highlighted under the Enduring Materials pillar is the Cordura EcoMade fabric line, a collection of fabrics made with recycled polyester fibers that are specifically engineered to meet the brands performance and durability criteria.
The Corporate Responsibility pillar revolves around the initiatives that the Cordura brand team sponsors to demonstrate its commitment to the environment. “We seek to create support for our communities by becoming involved with people and causes that we value,” said McNaull.
As part of the Cordura Cares program launch at the Outdoor Retailer Summer 09 market, INVISTA teamed up with Outdoor Industry Association and Cordura brand ambassador, Helen Theyer, to conduct outreach events in the Salt Lake City area aimed at getting todays youth outside. Backpacks made with Cordura EcoMade fabric were provided to participants to help encourage and foster a life-long passion for the great outdoors. Recently, Helen Thayer, a globally renowned explorer and author, spoke to schools, museums, and Girl Scout troops in North Carolina about the importance of getting outdoors and caring for the environment. Thayer will continue these outreach and educational activities across the globe; her next stop slated for Africa in the fall of 2009.
“We understand the value of educating our community and providing them with products that are built to last,” continued McNaull.
At a corporate level, Invista pursues stewardship excellence in its manufacturing facilities, with its products, and in the communities in which it operates. All Invista operations seek new ways to conserve resources, eliminate waste, reduce emissions and measure our performance in these areas.
“We do all this and more so the planet and products made with our fabric will be enjoyed for generations to come,” concluded McNaull.
