Sustainability Milestones and Innovations in Textile Manufacturing #
UKL is dedicated to advancing sustainability in the textile industry, as demonstrated by a series of significant achievements, certifications, and ongoing commitments. This page outlines our progress in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, highlighting both our accolades and our forward-looking strategies.
Honors and Achievements #
UKL’s dedication to sustainable development has been recognized with numerous awards, including:
- DBS Foundation Asia Impact Award (2022)
- Taiwan Sustainable Action Award
- Taiwan Excellence Award
- iF Red Dot Design Award
- B Corp certification in 2024
Our private brand, EVOPURE+, received the 2025 Taiwan Excellence Award for its innovative pineapple leaf fiber application series.
Download the Sustainability Report
Certifications and Green Power Commitments #
B Corp Certification #
UKL officially became a B Corp in January 2024, joining a global community of companies committed to high standards in social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. As one of Taiwan’s few textile manufacturing-focused B Corps, we strive to create positive impacts for society and the environment.
Organizational Greenhouse Gas Inventory #
In 2022, UKL completed its ISO 14064-1:2018 organizational greenhouse gas inventory, recording total emissions of 134.887 tonnes of CO2e. This standard enables us to quantify, manage, and report our greenhouse gas emissions effectively.
Product Carbon Footprint Verification #
In February 2024, our Pineapple Leaf Fiber (PALF) achieved ISO 14067:2018 product carbon footprint verification by BSI. The carbon footprint per kilogram of PALF is only 0.784 kg CO2e—significantly lower than cotton (about twice as much) and flax (about ten times higher). PALF production does not incur additional carbon emissions during pineapple growth.
UL2809 Recycled Content Validation #
UKL’s products are undergoing UL2809 recycled content validation, a standard by UL to verify recycled material content in products. This process substantiates our recycled content claims and helps prevent greenwashing.
USDA BioPreferred Voluntary Certification Mark #
Our Pineapple Leaf Fiber (PALF) has obtained the USDA BioPreferred certification mark, managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This program promotes the use of renewable, biobased products as alternatives to petroleum-based products, with clear labeling of biobased content.
RE10x10 Green Power Declaration #
UKL has signed the RE10x10 corporate green power declaration, committing to 10% renewable electricity usage by 2025. We have already achieved this 10% green power target in 2024.
Sustainable Fashion and Environmental Commitment #
EVOPURE+ and the Sustainable Fashion Alliance #
In 2024, our private brand EVOPURE+ became a member of the “Sustainable Fashion Alliance,” furthering the mission of sustainable fashion. Established in 2021, EVOPURE+ transforms local Taiwanese eco-friendly recycled materials into stylish apparel and accessories. Its product lines include:
- REDAILY Collection: Fibers recycled from PET bottles, oyster shells, fishing nets, and discarded nylon threads.
- OWNLIFE Collection: Fibers made from low-carbon agricultural waste, such as pineapple leaf fiber (PALF).
EVOPURE+ products combine environmental responsibility with distinctive Taiwanese characteristics. As noted by Gary Hsieh, Executive Vice President of UKL, the textile industry is the world’s second-largest carbon emitter. UKL is committed to sustainable development through innovations like pineapple leaf fiber, aiming to expand Taiwan’s sustainable materials globally.
Innovative Application of Pineapple Leaf Fiber #
In 2023, UKL successfully developed and mass-produced pineapple leaf fiber (PALF), integrating it into various product designs and promoting it internationally. This eco-friendly textile material utilizes pineapple leaves—an agricultural by-product—transforming them into high-quality fiber yarns. PALF reduces carbon footprint and offers breathable, naturally antibacterial, and odor-resistant properties. For every ton of pineapples produced, 1.45 tons of leaves are generated, which were previously burned but are now repurposed for textiles. In February 2024, PALF’s carbon footprint was verified at approximately 0.784 kg CO2e per kilogram, about one-tenth that of flax and one-fourth that of cotton.
Social Care and Volunteer Services #
Participation in “Ai Chuan Xi Caregiver Alliance” Volunteer Services #
From 2023 to 2024, UKL participated in volunteer services for the “Ai Chuan Xi Caregiver Alliance” for two consecutive years. This initiative provides respite and support for long-term caregivers, including DIY weaving workshops for pineapple fiber bracelets at Leshan, offering moments of relaxation and healing. This reflects UKL’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), with “diverse partnerships” as a key sustainable development goal.
Future Outlook #
UKL and EVOPURE+ will continue to drive sustainable development, aiming for both environmental protection and social equity through innovation and collaboration. On Earth Day 2025, EVOPURE+ partnered with the Circular Taiwan Foundation to launch the “CC4CC Climate Change Circular T-shirt,” combining low-carbon materials with a Taiwan temperature barcode design to raise climate crisis awareness. UKL also collaborates with schools, integrating the PALF case into the “Sustainable Textbook SELECT 2025,” exemplifying the intersection of agriculture, textiles, and education in the circular economy. Through education and advocacy, we aim to broaden the understanding and adoption of sustainable materials.
