Glen Raven Lauded for Wildlife Efforts

-- Home Textiles Today, 4/12/2010 12:00:00 AM

Anderson, S.C. —

Glen Raven’s manufacturing center here has been recognized by the state’s Wildlife Federation for an ongoing program to protect and enhance habitat areas on the company’s 180-acre site.

Glen Raven has installed bird boxes and bird feeders, established nesting areas for ducks and salt licks for deer, and created a “Fence Garden” near the plant entrance that features numerous plants native to the area. In addition, an employee-led task force has completed certification requirements under the non-profit federation’s Wildlife and Industry Together (WAIT) program.

“WAIT certification requires a long-range habitat plan of three to five years,” said Rodney Jones, technical finishing section leader and task group chair. “Our long-term plan includes labeling of plants and trees around the plant and construction of a nature trail. We also envision creating an orchard that will provide a food source for wildlife.”

Tracey Sanders, quality engineer at the Anderson plant and a task force member, said many initiatives make up the company’s a long-term, ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.

“We have eliminated all waste going to landfills from our plant, and we have achieved certification under the internationally recognized environmental standard ISO:14001,” Sanders said.

The plant site contains more than 130 acres of undeveloped land that supports a diverse array of plant and animal life. The one-million-square-foot plant is the primary manufacturing center for Sunbrella performance fabrics.