In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable manufacturing, Fibre Industries, the largest domestic producer of polyester staple fibre in the USA, has unveiled its rebranding as Darling Fibres. Under its new name, the company is embarking on a visionary initiative by establishing Darlington Green, a sprawling sustainability hub dedicated to textiles and packaging manufacturing, research, development, and innovation.
Darling Fibres’ CEO, Don Bockoven, expressed enthusiasm for the organization’s transformation, stating, “Our goal is to build on our rich heritage as an organization by fostering innovation and spurring productivity while preserving and enhancing the environment. We envisage accelerating the growth and resilience of America’s textiles and packaging industries through collaboration and partnership.”
To realize the ambitious vision for Darlington Green, Darling Fibres is reshaping its 765-acre campus into a vibrant hub for textiles and packaging innovation. The company will take a leadership role in forming an advisory board comprising community and industry stakeholders. This diverse board will provide guidance and expertise to ensure that Darlington Green becomes a thriving center for sustainable practices and technological advancements.
Darlington Green aims to bring together textiles and packaging manufacturers, state and local governments, academic research institutions, technologists, entrepreneurs, and other interested parties to spearhead sustainability efforts. The initiative is actively engaging partners to co-locate manufacturing facilities and pioneer new products and recycling technologies. By harnessing collective expertise, Darling Fibres seeks to revitalize the US polyester and plastic industries while promoting environmental stewardship.
George Bandy, Chief Sustainability Officer at Darling Fibres, shared insight into the ambitious plans, stating, “Darlington Green is in active discussions with partners to co-locate manufacturing and pilot new products and emerging recycling technologies, harness our collective expertise, and revitalize the US polyester and plastic industries.”
Since its relaunch in 2020, Darling Fibres has made significant strides in retooling dormant manufacturing lines, reestablishing industry relationships, and refining its strategy for developing high-quality, low-carbon products. The company’s state-of-the-art, one-million-square-foot polyester manufacturing facility is equipped to process various raw materials into finished goods. While currently serving existing customers with inventory, Darling Fibres has actively engaged with new customers to further scale its production of polyester fiber and chip.
With the launch of Darlington Green, Darling Fibres aims to lead the charge in sustainable manufacturing practices, propelling the textiles and packaging industries into a greener future. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and environmental responsibility, Darling Fibres and its partners are poised to reshape the industry landscape and make a significant contribution to a more sustainable world.