U.S. recycled PET end markets have shifted focus from textiles to food packaging in recent years. But North Carolina-based Unifi is working on building end uses for recycled plastics in fashion and other fabric applications, the CEO said in a recent interview. CEO Eddie Ingle said there’s an energy at Unifi to create cotton-like fabrics from recycled PET with the touch and feel of cotton viscose, also known as rayon blends. Viscose is the most used artificial cellulosic fiber, derived mostly from wood pulp, according to the Textile Exchange, of which Unifi is a member. Unifi’s most recent product launches include its ThermaLoop insulation line, made from 100% recycled content, with at least half of that from end-of-life textiles. Available in several forms – padding, fiber similar to goose down and fiberball – ThermoLoop is designed for use in home goods, and in outdoor gear such as sleeping bags and winter coats.