Democratic Floor Leader congratulates small upcycling business uplifting Michigan’s circular economy
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Feb. 19, 2025 — The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) granted $270,700 in research and development funding last week to Public Thread, a sustainable and upcycled bag shop in Grand Rapids. The shop is one of thirty projects to receive funding, totaling $5.6 million in Circular Economy Grants from EGLE in an effort to build Michigan’s circular supply chains and recycling. Democratic Floor Leader John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming), whose district includes Public Thread, wrote a letter of recommendation for the shop for EGLE during the application process.
“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. “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.”
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 their sustainable bags, as well as open them up to opportunities to further collaborate with local designers and innovators.
“Growing Michigan’s circular economy and making sure that economy is sustainable starts with uplifting our homegrown small businesses and innovators who are already prioritizing recycling,” said Fitzgerald. “Grand Rapids and Kent County are home to many of these businesses making a positive change in our community. 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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