Fiber Industries hires its first Chief Sustainability Officer
May 11, 2022
Fiber Industries, a leading US fiber manufacturer known for cutting-edge and innovative market leading solutions for the fabric, garment, and fashion industry announced today that George Bandy, Jr. has joined the organization as its Chief Sustainability Officer. Bandy has more than 25 years of experience in the sustainability field. His expertise will help Fiber Industries reach its short-term and long-term sustainability goals.
“George is a seasoned sustainability leader who will bring a wealth of knowledge and valuable industry relationships to Fiber Industries,” said Don Bockoven, CEO of Fiber Industries. “Our company has made significant strides over the last few years by embracing new ideas and leading the quality fiber industry in transparent manufacturing. We are confident George will be a key player in our sustainability journey and bring a fresh perspective to our approach. We are incredibly proud to have him join the team.”
Prior to joining the Fiber Industries team, Bandy served as Amazon’s Head of Circular Economy. He formerly served as Chairman of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and board member of Second Nature. He is currently a board member for Green Business Certification Inc., the International Interior Design Association and Trane Technologies Advisory Council for Sustainability. Bandy is a sought after expert in a number of areas including business, social and supply chain sustainability, as well as innovative and biophilic design.
“As a manufacturing powerhouse, Fiber Industries has the opportunity to create incredible value in the fashion industry at a time when the stakes for our efforts have never been higher,” said Bandy. “We can continue to make healthy, recycled low carbon solutions while at the same time, nurture our communities through environmental stewardship and inspire innovative actions that drive growth for our shareholders. I am excited to join the Fiber Industries team and contribute to the company’s success.”
Bandy’s new position is welcomed by some of the sustainability industry’s most notable leaders.
“George Bandy is the consummate sustainability leader in every way you can name,” said Lisa Sphritz, Environmental Operations Executive at Bank of America, and former board member of USGBC. “As chair of the USGBC board of directors during a time of explosive growth and change, George’s ability to lead others to consensus and action was so critical to advancing our work to create a healthier, more sustainable built environment. He deeply understands what needs to be done and is brilliant in sharing with others why it matters in ways that are both inspirational and instructive, and we’re all better for it.”
“George Bandy is highly regarded for his thoughtful and holistic approach to sustainability,” said Greg Norris, Director, Sustainability and Health Initiative for Net Positive Enterprise at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). “He is a relentless leader who looks to inspire and inform people to decrease their footprint and increase their handprint. He has been a tremendous partner on broadening companies’ and communities’ focus beyond a reduction only mindset, with looking to also be restorative. George’s passion and leadership abilities will undoubtedly breathe new life into sustainability at Fiber Industries.”
A native of Opelika, Alabama, Bandy received a bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College. Bandy also holds LEED Accredited Professional certification from USGBC. In 2020, he was recognized as a Living Future Hero. In 2018, he was a USGBC Leadership Award recipient and was honored with the inaugural Green Step People Award.
About Fiber Industries
Fiber Industries collaborates closely with our partners to deliver sustainable fiber solutions made entirely in the U.S.A. at our state of the art manufacturing facility in Darlington, South Carolina. Focusing on polyester staple fibers, our team’s goal in every project is to collaborate with our customers to create innovative, quality fiber, while meeting the pricing, sustainability needs, and fulfillment requirements to produce market-leading fabrics and garments.
