March 25, 2026
Herff Jones Announces 10-Year Partnership with UC Berkeley as Exclusive Provider of Graduation Regalia
Partnership introduces EarthGrad™ gowns – the only fully sustainable regalia made from 100% recycled materials
Indianapolis, IN – March 25, 2026 – Herff Jones, the nation’s leading provider of handcrafted graduation and educational achievement products, is proud to announce a 10-year partnership with the University of California, Berkeley, becoming the exclusive provider of the university’s graduation regalia.
This partnership was driven by UC Berkeley’s Cal Zero Waste program and its commitment to sustainability. As part of the agreement, UC Berkeley will outfit graduates in EarthGrad™ regalia, Herff Jones’ fully sustainable and industry-leading academic attire. EarthGrad gowns are the only regalia of their kind to be certified as manufactured from 100% recycled materials, offering both an environmentally responsible choice and a superior wearing experience. The fabric features a luxurious, soft, woven hand with a matte finish, ensuring graduates look and feel their best on commencement day.
“UC Berkeley has long been a leader in environmental stewardship, and our commencement ceremonies are no exception,” said Lin King, zero waste manager at UC Berkeley. “By selecting EarthGrad™ gowns, we are ensuring that our graduates can celebrate their achievements in attire that aligns with our campus sustainability goals, reduces waste and demonstrates that style and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”
EarthGrad™ regalia is a custom Herff Jones offering that reflects a growing commitment from higher education institutions to align tradition with sustainable innovation.
“We are honored to partner with such a prestigious and forward-thinking university,” said Zach Baird, general manager and senior vice president of college sales at Herff Jones. “EarthGrad gowns are proof that graduates can enjoy a premium commencement experience without compromising their values. Together with UC Berkeley, we are setting a new standard for sustainability in academic regalia.”
The 10-year agreement underscores both organizations’ dedication to tradition, academic excellence and environmental responsibility, marking a significant step forward in the evolution of commencement celebrations.
About Herff Jones:
Indianapolis-based Herff Jones is the nation’s leading provider of handcrafted graduation and educational products and services. With more than 100 years of experience, Herff Jones inspires achievement, fosters memorable student experiences, and builds lasting connections with educators, students, and their families. For more information, visit www.herffjones.com.
Media inquiries, please contact:
Haley Burks |Director of Communications, Herff Jones | hbburks@herffjones.com | 405.664.3063
About Cal Zero Waste:
Cal Zero Waste manages over 25 tons of solid waste throughout campus daily and is
committed to advancing reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting programs while
providing effective collection services.
To operate these programs, Cal Zero Waste works with various other campus entities such as Custodial Services for indoor waste, compost, and recycling collection, Landscape Services for outdoor green waste and plant debris services, and Facilities Services Event Services for events.
Our staff consists of a Zero Waste Manager, a Zero Waste Operations Supervisor, Truck Drivers, Groundskeepers, Zero Waste Technicians, and Staff Associates. Projects include working with Berkeley Dining, Residential; Student Service Programs, Cal Athletics, labs, ReUSE, Student Union, and many other departments and organizations.
For more information about zero waste at UC Berkeley, click here to read UC Berkeley’s 2019 Zero Waste Plan.