Cultivating Green Jobs and Local Wealth Rooted in Circular Fashion: The Industrial Commons

Morganton, North Carolina has a rich legacy in textile manufacturing and innovation. But like so many rural American communities, the manufacturing jobs that once sustained the local economy have waned, leaving many in the area challenged to find employment that offers a living wage. In 2015, The Industrial Commons (TIC) was born in the heart of Morganton to help rebuild a working class and revitalize its textile economy. Founded by individuals who understood and appreciated the unique beauty of the region, TIC aimed to reinvigorate the local economy by fostering new business models to address the challenges of job loss and economic decline.

Recognizing the need for a multi-pronged approach to building local, rooted wealth in their community, TIC operates a diverse set of programs. They provide frontline workers with the skills, training and education needed to obtain economic mobility in their rural region. They work with triple-bottom line businesses to create quality jobs with voice and agency, and convert existing businesses to employee ownership. They also create social enterprises like the Carolina Textile District and Material Return that provide quality, green jobs, organize the industry toward greater environmental sustainability and fill critical gaps in the textile value chain.

The transformative work of TIC caught the attention of the VF Foundation in 2021. When VF's Smartwool® brand launched its Second Cut project as part of its sustainability strategy to promote circularity within its product lifecycle, the Foundation supported a collaboration with TIC's Material Return and Carolina Textile District to help fuel their capacity building efforts. The partnership between TIC and the VF Foundation is rooted in shared values and a commitment to sustainable initiatives to support people and our planet.

Launched in April 2021, the Second Cut™ Project collected used socks, utilizing TIC's Material Return to enlist skilled fiber experts capable of transforming these materials into new, premium-grade products.

The program asked customers to send their socks, any socks, back to Smartwool® with the aim of building dog beds out of them, giving these traditionally discarded garments a new life for our furry friends. By April 2023, the collaboration led to the creation of the first circular sock, marking a significant achievement in showcasing the possibilities of circular fashion. The project won the 2023 ISPO Award which recognizes the world's most innovative sports and outdoors products, not only demonstrating the environmental benefits of recycling but also serving as a model for sustainable, local economies.

The success of Smartwool®'s Second Cut™ Project has not only influenced other brands but has become a compelling proof point within TIC's broader mission, attracting further support and scaling opportunities that contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future. Earlier this year, TIC received a highly prestigious grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), potentially yielding up to $160 million over 10 years to spur additional private and public investments to fuel their innovative engine.

Now a nationally recognized model for a circular economy, The Industrial Commons has trained more than 3,700 workers through its advanced manufacturing and community support programs.

By forming intentional partnerships with technical assistance providers, leveraging their expertise to empower workers and communities, TIC stands as a beacon of hope for Western North Carolina, redefining economic narratives through locally rooted wealth and worker empowerment. Looking ahead to 2030, TIC envisions expanding its impact by continuing to create employee-owned social enterprises and industrial cooperatives. The goal is to build a new southern working class that eradicates generational poverty, fostering an inclusive economy and future for all. With the support of Smartwool® and the VF Foundation, TIC's transformative initiatives serve as a blueprint for creating a future where communities thrive, businesses flourish, and young people are inspired to stay and build their futures.