Fila USA established a new tree planting collaboration with AmericanForests.org, the nation's oldest non-profit dedicated to funding and overseeing tree planting programs in the U.S. and globally. Fila had been exploring partnerships with tree planting organizations in order to give back to the environment to complement its Women's Personal Performance line (formerly Women's Wellness). In keeping with Fila's introduction and use of sustainable organic and recycled materials into their women's performance fabrications, the company made a donation to AmericanForests.org's general tree planting fund.
Fila signed an initial one-year commitment with AmericanForests.org. The Washington D.C. based non-profit was attractive to Fila due in part to its reputation for maximizing the number of trees planted per dollar donated by its sponsor partners.
Presently, the funds will be distributed evenly among AmericanForests.org's U.S. reforestation and urban tree planting programs, but Fila retains the right to designate specific regional programs as the company's participation expands.
This partnership complements the brand's use of sustainable and recycled fibers in the Women's Personal Performance Collection such as soy, bamboo and recycled Polyester. Fila launched this effort in 2008 with the use of flexible, wicking fabrics ideal for personal performance disciplines like yoga and Pilates, while taking advantage of the unusually soft properties that add a new feminine dimension to the ever expanding personal performance apparel category.
“We welcome the opportunity for Fila to get involved in these important efforts that surely represent the future of our industry and to participate in the positive new green movement that is rapidly growing in the U.S.,” says Fila USA CEO Jon Epstein. “As our Women's Personal Performance Collection grows in popularity among women who make sustainability and recycling a part of their everyday lifestyle, so grows AmericanForests.org's success. So I think that the women who wear our '09 collection will be as pleased and inspired by our tree planting efforts as they will be by the fit, feel and wear-ability of our new line.”
