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Milliken & Company's 2024 Sustainability Report: A Commitment to the Future

Milliken & Company has taken another significant step in its journey toward sustainability with the recent release of its 2024 Sustainability Report, marking the seventh year of transparency and dedication to its environmental initiatives. The report not only outlines the company’s performance in achieving its sustainability goals for 2025 but also highlights its ambitious net-zero targets set for 2030.

Key Highlights of the Report

Halsey Cook, President and CEO of Milliken, expressed the essence of the report stating, "Sustainability is at the core of Milliken's business strategy, and our 2024 Sustainability Report illustrates our achievements, processes, and advancements." This statement underscores the company's commitment to embed sustainability into every facet of its operations.

People Initiative

One of the standout achievements highlighted in the report is Milliken's success in reducing workplace incidents that result in downtime for employees. In 2024, the company accomplished its target of 100,000 volunteer hours — a full year ahead of schedule and exceeded this goal by an additional 31,000 hours. This demonstrates the commitment of Milliken's workforce not only to the company but also to the communities they serve.

Product Sustainability

Milliken has made remarkable strides in product sustainability. For the year 2024, the company aims to evaluate 100% of its new products based on sustainability assessments—an impressive jump from the mere 22% in 2018. Notably, Milliken has also positioned itself as the first textile manufacturer to utilize non-PFAS materials across all layers of firefighting gear. These actions align with their broader vision of supporting the circular economy through initiatives like the N/XT Life™ program in collaboration with The Recycling Partnership's Center for Sustainable Behavior and Impact.

Planet-focused Goals

Milliken has exceeded its 2025 renewable energy goals as early as 2022 and continues to explore new ways to enhance renewable energy usage while reducing emissions. The company's dedication to optimizing thermal drying of wastewater sludge and eliminating coal ash from steam generation has significantly contributed to waste reduction efforts. The report indicates that water treatment processes at Milliken have been improved to further decrease waste intensity compared to baseline figures from 2018.

Net-Zero Commitment

In the arena of climate initiatives, Milliken achieved a significant reduction of 42% in its Scope-1 and Scope-2 emissions since 2018, edging closer to the goal of a 50% reduction by 2030. Investments exceeding $35 million have been funneled into projects aimed at reducing coal usage through combined heat and power (CHP) systems, energy efficiency improvements, and enhancements in renewable energy use. Moreover, Milliken focuses on engaging its suppliers to lower Scope-3 emissions, improving data on product sustainability, and sourcing low-carbon materials.

Business Conduct and Ethical Practices

The report also showcases Milliken's unwavering commitment to the UN Global Compact principles that emphasize human rights, labor standards, environmental protection, and anti-corruption measures. The company integrates these values into its daily operations and seeks out projects that promote broader developmental goals.

Kasel Knight, SVP and Chief Legal Officer at Milliken, remarked, "Our 2024 Sustainability Report reflects our progress and illustrates our unwavering commitment to a sustainable future." He affirmed the company’s resolve to foster positive change, driven by the achievements thus far.

For further details, the full 2024 Sustainability Report can be accessed at milliken.com/sustainability, where additional resources and past reports are also available.

About Milliken & Company

Milliken & Company stands as a global leader in manufacturing, focusing intently on material sciences that facilitate tomorrow’s breakthroughs today. With a spectrum of applications ranging from textiles and carpets to chemicals and healthcare, the company’s innovations are designed to improve lives and provide solutions to customers and communities. With thousands of patents, Milliken utilizes a culture of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations to come. Explore more about Milliken's innovative solutions at milliken.com and connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.