We're not going to fool anyone with grandiose proclamations of our "dedication to environmental stewardship." We dye yarn. There's no way to dye yarn without leaving a footprint. It is possible, however, to make a tiny footprint.

That's our goal. Ironically, being "green" turns out to be good business. Reducing energy consumption lowers overhead, saving money. Reducing waste saves on raw material costs, saving money. Making carpets easier to recycle stimulates consumer buying decisions, affecting sales. Kind of gives being "green" a new meaning, huh?
 

 

 
 • We’ve reduced paper usage (no extra copies, e-mail, use paper twice, recycle used paper).
 • We recycle aluminum cans in office and canteen areas - over 1,000 cans per week.
 • We’ve planted trees and turned previously mown areas into pasture.
 

  
 • We’ve reduced energy usage and water consumption and currently use 1/3 of the energy
   compared to 1989.
 • We use less and recycle more. We recycle dyes, chemicals & solid waste (fiber, tubes,
   cardboard, plastic wrap) - over 500,000 pounds per year.
 • Solid waste is baled and recycled into molded plastics, auto door panels, toys, TV cabinets,
   flower pots, etc.  We send over 400,000 pounds of waste yarns to recyclers each year.
 

   The textile industry disposes of billions of gallons of colored effluent each
   year. This creates problems because of the expense of waste dyes and
   water treatment and the impact on health and the environment.
 
 

We collect and store dye waste, then analyze the amount of each color in waste and calculate a formula for reuse. In 1993, Ronile disposed of 500,000 gallons of concentrated dye solution. Today, we are reusing over 80% of our waste dyes.

Our dye waste reuse technology is available free of charge to the textile industry.
 

 • Dyeing yarn requires energy.  After applying dye, the yarn is heated with steam to 212°F to
   chemically bond the dye to the yarn
 • Ronile historically burned one million gallons of fossil fuels annually to create the energy needed
   in its processes.

   • In 2007, Ronile installed a bio-mass boiler and began burning renewable
     materials (primarily sawdust - a by-product from local saw mill operations)
     to produce sustainable, carbon neutral energy.


 

   • This energy source means Ronile is no longer burning 750,000 gallons
      of fuel annually.

   • Ronile is currently looking to install a second bio-mass boiler to
     eliminate entirely its use of fossil fuels.

 

 
 • Complete elimination of dye being discharged into the environment.
 • 100% clear effluent and 100% re-use of dyes and chemicals.
 • Closed loop system.
 • No dye waste sent to landfill.
 • Greater use of recycled and natural raw materials.
 

 
 • 1996 Virginia Governors’ Environmental Excellence Award
 • A.L. Philpott Manufacturing Center/Center for Innovative Technology
 • Used as model for study by a state commission on environmental
   stewardship
 

 
 • Environmentally friendly practices are sound manufacturing practices and reduce waste and costs.
 • Consumers are increasingly looking at the environmental impact of products they use.
 • It’s the right thing to do.
 

(but not on the environment)