SPARTANBURG, S.C. — April 16, 2025 — Milliken & Company, a diversified global manufacturer, has unveiled its seventh annual sustainability report, showcasing its performance against the 2025 Sustainability Goals and 2030 net-zero commitments. The report outlines the company’s advancements in various areas, including people, products, the planet, net-zero initiatives, and business conduct.
“Sustainability is at the core of Milliken’s business strategy, and our 2024 sustainability report highlights our performance, processes, and progress,” stated Halsey Cook, president and CEO of Milliken. “The progress we have made would not be possible without the contributions and commitment of our associates, customers, and partners. We recognize that sustainability is a complex challenge and together, we are committed to continuous improvement in our practices.”
The 2024 Sustainability Report provides updates on each of Milliken’s key impact areas, including:
- People: By prioritizing essential safety measures, Milliken successfully reduced lost-time incidents in 2024. The company also achieved its target of 100,000 volunteer hours a year ahead of schedule, surpassing its initial 2025 volunteer goal by an additional 31,000 hours.
- Product: In 2024, Milliken conducted sustainability assessments on 100% of new products—an impressive increase from a mere 22% baseline reported in 2018. Additionally, the company became the first textile manufacturer to provide non-PFAS materials for all three layers of firefighter turnout gear. Milliken’s N/XT Life™ program, alongside its partnership with The Recycling Partnership’s Center for Sustainable Behavior and Impact, further illustrates its commitment to circular economy principles.
- Planet: Milliken exceeded its 2025 renewable energy target back in 2022 and continues to seek solutions to enhance its renewable energy usage to minimize emissions. The company’s ongoing efforts in thermal drying biosolids from wastewater treatment and the removal of coal ash from steam generation have significantly contributed to waste reduction. In 2024, Milliken optimized its wastewater treatment processes and targeted various waste streams across its manufacturing sites, resulting in a decrease in waste intensity compared to its 2018 baseline.
- Net-Zero: Milliken achieved a 42% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions from its 2018 baseline in 2024, approaching its 2030 goal of a 50% reduction. Since 2018, the company has invested over $35 million in coal elimination initiatives, energy efficiency improvements, increased renewable electricity usage, and the modernization of manufacturing operations. Efforts to reduce scope 3 emissions involve engaging suppliers, enhancing product sustainability data, and sourcing lower-carbon materials.
- Business Conduct: Milliken reaffirmed its dedication to the U.N. Global Compact, committing to uphold the Ten Principles concerning human rights, labor standards, environmental protection, and anti-corruption. The company aims to integrate these principles into its daily operations and strategy while actively pursuing projects that support these broader developmental objectives.
“Milliken’s 2024 Sustainability Report reflects our progress and demonstrates our commitment to our sustainability journey,” remarked Kasel Knight, SVP, Chief Legal Officer, and head of sustainability at Milliken. “We remain committed to driving positive change and motivated by the strides we’ve made.”
