Expansion Management

It's Not Swept Under the Rug - It's Used in the Product

Feb. 10, 2009

Just when you think people are taking recycling as far as it could possibly go ... Gramicci, a clothing manufacturer that tags itself as the ‘soul brand’ of the outdoor industry, is actually using the components of what is swept up from the sample room after yarn has been spun.

The materials, hemp and organic cotton, are picked apart, sorted and recast as a durable twill used in both a blazer for men and a jacket for women. The material, which is new to their Fall 2009 collection, is called Re-Gen.

No part of the content of the clothing is overlooked from an environmental perspective. While 60% of the company’s hang tags are made from recycled or sustainable materials, 40% of buttons and trims are comprised of sustainable or recycled materials. The dyes used are low impact in that they are 40% to 60% less toxic than reactive dyes.

And the production process is in the game as well. About 80% of all products are Garment-Dyed, which utilizes over 55% less water than traditional methods.

This company was launched in 1982, by Mike Graham – from his garage in Southern California, of course.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko Blog | Senior Editor

Focus: Expansion Management & the Biotech & Life Sciences Industries

Email: [email protected]

Follow Adrienne on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Call: 216-931-9235

Senior Editor Adrienne Selko manages IndustryWeek’s Expansion Management, delivering ideas and information about how successful manufacturers leverage location to gain competitive advantage. She explores the strategies behind why companies located their headquarters, research institutes, factories, warehouse and distribution centers and other facilities where they did, and how they benefit from the decision.

Adrienne is also the editorial coordinator of the IndustryWeek Expansion Management Roundtable events, which unites economic development professionals to network and discuss the latest trends in site location.

As well, Adrienne tells the stories of successful companies in the biotechnology and life sciences industries.

In the past, Adrienne has managed IndustryWeek’s award-winning website, overseeing eNewletters, webinars, and contributed content. Before joining the staff, Adrienne was managing editor of corporate publications at a large regional financial institution. She also ran a public relations and marketing company that published a best-selling healthcare book.

Adrienne received a bachelor’s of business administration from the University of Michigan and is especially interested in wellness and natural health.