According to Datamonitor, the U.S. organic market is projected to reach a value of $30.7 billion by 2007. People want organic choices in the foods they eat, the products they use in their homes and in the clothes they wear. It makes sense to offer organic merino socks to this growing market, and from a corporate standpoint, it fits perfectly with Fox River’s environmental commitment.

Fox River is launching a new collection of organic merino socks: two styles for women and two unisex styles at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market show. All of the organic styles wick moisture to keep feet dry and comfortable, and have the super-soft feel of merino wool.

“Not many people know it, but Fox River has been part of a town-wide environmental initiative for years. Launching our organic merino socks is a natural progression that we hope we will be able to expand upon. We are committed to doing what we can to care for the Earth”, says Joel Anderson, president of Fox River’s branded division.

Organic wool comes from sheep raised according to federal organic livestock production standards. Fox River organic Merino wool, from the Vermont Organic Fiber Company, is produced according to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards and verified by independent accredited certification organizations. Only wool from sheep raised on certified organic ranches using organic livestock production standards can be called “organic.”

In addition to its new organic socks, Fox River’s knitting mill is an international model for “green” companies, and is part of a state-of-the-art environmental initiative in its hometown of Osage, Iowa. The company also promotes recycling in all areas; packaging papers, boxes, etc. are recycled and all wool scraps are ground up for dog beds or car seat stuffing.

Fox River’s forward-thinking waste stream reduction program has reduced annual waste volume by more than 50% since it was begun in 1991. Water-reclamation and heat recovery systems warm the mill during winter by recirculating excess heat. In the summer, two wells on site provide water to air condition the mill.

Suggested retail prices for Fox River’s Organic Merino styles range from $10-15.