New Era Cap, Portland Trail Blazers and REPREVE® Collaborate to Launch First Officially Licensed NBA Hat Made With Plastic Bottles

New Era Cap Co. Inc. announces the debut of its first-ever official National Basketball Association (NBA) cap made with plastic bottles, featuring the Portland Trail Blazers, thanks to the use of REPREVE® recycled fiber. The new, environmentally conscious New Era 9FIFTY® cap will launch exclusively with the Trail Blazers, coinciding with NBA Green Week. The REPREVE-based caps will be sold at Rip City Clothing Company at the Moda Center during Trail Blazers games on April 6 and April 8, and will retail for $30. Each hat is made using four recycled plastic bottles.

REPREVE is a leading recycled fiber made from plastic bottles, created by textile manufacturer, Unifi, Inc. (NYSE:UFI). To ensure that products made with REPREVE are traceable, transparent and environmentally responsible, Unifi utilizes its proprietary U TRUST™ verification program. U TRUST is a third-party, comprehensive certification program that is designed to provide REPREVE customers with a high level of transparency. As part of the U TRUST program, Unifi uses FIBERPRINT™ technology, a unique tool allowing Unifi to analyze fabrics and products for the FIBERPRINT signature and certify the level of REPREVE content."The synergy between REPREVE and New Era Cap represents one of incredible quality and performance, along with a commitment to eco-friendliness," said Mark Maidment, vice president, creative for New Era Cap. "Not only does New Era Cap value environmental consciousness, but consumers are also increasingly looking for products with a transparent sustainability story. Through its U TRUST program, Unifi helps us deliver a trustworthy, environmentally responsible cap."

"The Trail Blazers' commitment to sustainability is long-standing, and places us among the leaders in all of professional sports, with initiatives ranging from food recovery and energy efficiency, to composting and balancing our water use," said Christa Stout, Trail Blazers vice president of social responsibility. "Key to that success are committed partners in all of our initiatives who support our focus on impacting kids and families where they live, learn and play.  We're thrilled to join with New Era Cap and Unifi in this cool and authentic partnership."