Portland, Ore.- and Vancouver, Canada-based Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc.’s (NAT’s) CRAiLAR®
Organic Fibers has received Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Textile Auxiliary Agents
certification, designating that it is processed using only GOTS-approved chemical inputs. Crailar
was evaluated and approved for the certification by OneCert Inc., a Lincoln, Neb.-based certifier
of products to six international organic standards.
Crailar technology, developed by NAT in collaboration with the National Research Council of
Canada, involves the processing of bast fibers such as hemp and flax using a proprietary enzyme
wash to give them an organic cotton-like texture while allowing them to retain their durability and
strength. In its efforts to commercialize Crailar Organic Fibers, NAT has successfully conducted
processing trials at Philadelphia-based G.J Littlewood & Son and spinning trials at Kings
Mountain, N.C.-based Patrick Yarns; and is collaborating with Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Hanesbrands
Inc. to develop apparel products containing Crailar/cotton blends.
GOTS were developed to provide uniform standards within the global textile industry.
Collaborators include the Organic Trade Association, Greenfield, Mass.; Soil Association, United
Kingdom; International Association Natural Textile Industry, Germany; and Japan Organic Cotton
Association.
“Naturally Advanced Technologies is committed to maintaining the highest standards of
environmental responsibility in the textile market,” said Ken Barker, CEO, NAT. “Obtaining the most
stringent and well-respected certification with the GOTS Chemical Input standards validates our
process and work to date. Crailar has always been eco sound; now we have certification confirming
it.”
August 3, 2010
