GRAND RAPIDS, MI— The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) recently granted $270,700 in research and development funding to Public Thread, a sustainable and upcycled bag shop in Grand Rapids.
The shop is one of 30 projects to receive funding, totaling $5.6 million in circular economy grants from EGLE to build Michigan’s circular supply chains and recycling.
During the EGLE application process, Democratic Floor Leader John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming), whose district includes Public Thread, wrote a letter of recommendation for the shop.
Fitzgerald said in a statement that Grand Rapids and Kent County are home to many businesses making a change in the local community.
“Public Thread brings a lot of value to communities in Kent County and beyond — they are a great example of how recycling and ethical manufacturing can support a successful business model,” Fitzgerald said.
He said growing Michigan’s circular economy and ensuring its sustainability start with uplifting hometown small businesses and innovators who are already prioritizing recycling.
The circular economy grants are part of EGLE’s NextCycle Michigan program, which focuses on innovative business models across Michigan that help build the state’s market for reused materials.
This investment will support and develop Public Thread’s capacity for material collection and sorting for its sustainable bags and open up opportunities to collaborate further with local designers and innovators.
“Their continued commitment to prioritizing living wages for their staff, offering workshops on sewing and upcycling to our community and producing sustainable products made their eligibility for this grant incredibly self-evident,” Fitzgerald added. “I look forward to continuing to support and amplify their work to ensure Michigan’s economy and environment grow and last for generations to come.”
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