GREENSBORO, N.C., Aug. 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Sam Russo, a veteran of two combat tours in Afghanistan, has teamed up with Unifi, Inc.'s (UFI: NYSE) REPREVE® brand to manufacture American flags that are entirely produced in the eastern United States. Russo's company, RePatriot Flag, creates environmentally responsible flags using REPREVE recycled fiber made from 10 recycled water bottles. To date, RePatriot Flag has eliminated nearly 30,000 plastic bottles from our landfills.

"While I was in Afghanistan, I flew every mission with a flag from my grandfather, which was originally given to him when he returned home from World War II," said Russo, the founder and managing director of RePatriot Flag.  "After launching RePatriot Flag in 2013, I wanted service members to have a similar emotional connection, so I began sending my flags to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. The fact that my flags are eco-friendly, thanks to REPREVE, and made in America are added bonuses that fit seamlessly into my mission of protecting and honoring our country."

The veteran-founded company also donates a portion of its proceeds to support veteran organizations; such as Operation Enduring Warrior and Team Red, White and Blue. Both organizations enrich the lives of America's veterans by bringing them and their communities closer together through positive physical and social outlets, which often help veterans cope with the stress and hardships of war. RePatriot Flag donates one flag to every Team Red, White and Blue chapter nationwide, and offers discounts to both organizations. All veterans and first responders coast-to-coast are also eligible for discounts on purchases from RePatriot Flag.

"We are proud to be working with such an amazing organization that supports U.S. veterans and does so much to honor our country, while offering high-quality products that are American-made and environmentally conscious," said Jay Hertwig, vice president of global brand sales, marketing and product development for Unifi.

Russo graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, and in 2006, was commissioned as an Army Aviation Officer. He completed two combat tours to Afghanistan with the 101^st Combat Aviation Brigade, and currently continues his service through his commitment to RePatriot Flag and its environmentally friendly products; spreading patriotism, working with veterans and caring for the environment.

"To me, the concept of recycled plastic bottles transforming into the RePatriot Flag makes our product the most patriotic American flag you can fly," continued Russo. "They are environmentally friendly, veteran-founded and focused, and 100 percent made in the United States."

Learn more about RePatriot Flag at www.repatriotflag.com, or for more information on REPREVE, visit www.REPREVE.com, or the REPREVE Facebook page www.facebook.com/REPREVE.

About REPREVE:
REPREVE® is Unifi, Inc.'s (NYSE: UFI) flagship brand of recycled fibers, made from recycled materials, including plastic bottles. REPREVE can be found in products ranging from apparel and hosiery to automotive and industrial applications, and is used by some of the world's leading brands, including Patagonia, Haggar, Quiksilver and Ford. REPREVE's #TurnItGreen initiative is designed to encourage recycling and raise awareness among consumers that recycled bottles can be turned into cool products they use every day. For more information about REPREVE, visit www.REPREVE.com; like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

About Unifi:  
Unifi, Inc. is a multi-national manufacturing company that produces and sells textured and other processed yarns designed to meet customer specifications, and premium value-added ("PVA") yarns with enhanced performance characteristics. Unifi maintains one of the textile industry's most comprehensive polyester and nylon product offerings. Unifi enhances demand for its products, and helps others in creating a more effective textile industry supply chain, through the development and introduction of branded yarns that provide unique performance, comfort and aesthetic advantages. In addition to its flagship REPREVE® products – a family of eco-friendly yarns made from recycled materials – key Unifi brands include: SORBTEK®, REFLEXX®, AIO® – all-in-one performance yarns, SATURA®, AUGUSTA®, A.M.Y.®, MYNX® UV and MICROVISTA®. Unifi's yarns are readily found in the products of major brands in the apparel, hosiery, automotive, home furnishings, industrial and other end-use markets. For more information about Unifi, visit www.unifi.com; to learn more about REPREVE®, visit www.REPREVE.com.

REPREVE is a trademark of Unifi, Inc.

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SOURCE Unifi, Inc.