Understanding the Numbers
Impact metrics are influenced by material availability, partner projects, and production volume. Numbers may fluctuate year to year as material streams, product mix, and programs evolve.
Metrics represent documented activity rather than modeled estimates and should be understood as indicators of scale and direction.
Waste Stream Diversion
Recovered textiles and materials diverted from disposal and prepared for reuse through product manufacturing and programs.
Number Of Products Produced
Finished products manufactured using recovered, surplus, and client-supplied materials across custom corporate products and product collections.
Active Material Streams
Including upholstery offcuts, billboard vinyl, corporate surplus textiles, and industrial soft goods sourced domestically.
Since founding: Dozens of distinct material streams have been activated
Production
All products and programs are produced locally in Grand Rapids, MI.
Human Impact
Jobs Supported
Manufacturing & Program Roles Annually
Production, education, and operations roles are supported through ongoing work and partnerships.
(Roles may include part-time, full-time, and program-based positions.)
Hours of Participation
Thousands of Hours Annually
Combined hours across employment, education programs, and volunteer participation.
Programs Delivered
Ongoing Annually
Classes, workshops, material activation sessions, and community engagement opportunities are facilitated throughout the year.
Metrics as Operational Signals
Impact metrics help Public Thread understand how materials, production, and participation interact across programs and partnerships. They inform capacity planning, workflow design, and long-term strategy.
Metrics are reviewed internally and shared externally to support accountability and alignment.
Scope of Measurement
Metrics reflect activity that can be consistently tracked through internal systems.
Data Sources
Data is derived from production records, program tracking, and material intake logs, along with other internal tracking systems.
What Metrics Do Not Capture
Long-term product use, downstream reuse, and indirect impacts are not fully measured.
Continuous Improvement
Metrics evolve as systems and tracking tools improve.
Environmental and social impact narratives reference these metrics to provide scale and context.
Impact metrics are part of Public Thread’s broader impact framework and will continue to be updated with the latest information.
