PRODUCT

Upcycle Project Reduces Waste and Creates Jobs for Local Communities

April 2023

What is Upcycling? Materials that would otherwise go in the trash are reused or repurposed into something new to keep waste out of landfills.

Associates in Surin, Thailand, are dedicated to making meaningful changes for our planet and our communities. Through a new upcycle program, Surin associates work with local vendors to turn excess materials into products that are sold by the local community. This project keeps 240 tons of waste out of landfills per year.

“It’s inspiring to see innovation and creativity in the finished products and it’s rewarding to know we are making important steps toward our sustainability goals while creating opportunities for our province to thrive,” said Kamalraj Ramadoss, Plant Manager. “The vendors are grateful to receive our binding waste to create quality products they can sell to support their families.”

Within our goals to protect the Planet, we are identifying key regional reuse and recycling partners to advance our zero waste to landfill journey. At the same time, this project allows us to contribute to our goal of improving the lives of 10 million people by 2030.

“Our associates are motivated by the success of this initiative,” said Kamalraj. “They are finding new, innovative ways to upcycle in our facility and their households.”

“Create Opportunity for All is a company value that is woven into this project from start to finish,” said Chris Fox, Chief Sustainability Officer. “The material waste gets reused, our associates are inspired to make a positive impact and our communities become stronger.”

At HanesBrands, we are dedicated to strengthening our communities where we live and work.

Our iconic brands like Champion, Hanes, Bonds, Bali and Maidenform, are committed to creating a zero-waste circular economy through innovation, recycling and remanufacturing new products.