Vancouver, Canada-based Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc. (NAT) — a developer of sustainable biomass resources from flax and hemp, and provider of CRAiLAR® enzymatic technology for processing bast fibers — reports it has signed Crailar Flax fiber agreements with two companies.

In September, Dearborn, Mich.-based workwear brand Carhartt entered into a short-term Crailar Flax fiber development agreement with NAT. Under the agreement, Carhartt will evaluate the fiber for use in premium workwear. "Carhartt aligns perfectly with our current portfolio and we are excited to add them to our growing mix of partner brands," said Ken Barker, CEO, NAT. "Our testing to date has demonstrated significant qualities that we can bring to the workwear market, including increased tensile strength, reduced shrinkage and high dye uptake that can reduce chemical usage. Perhaps most important is CRAiLAR's ability to wick moisture, which provides Carhartt with a performance advantage by ensuring consumers stay cooler in hot summer months."

Hong Kong-based private label knitwear manufacturer Brilliant Global Ltd. has signed a purchasing agreement for a minimum of 1.5 million pounds of Crailar Flax fiber. The agreement becomes effective this month. "Brilliant works with the most recognizable brands and retailers in North America and we intend to demonstrate the significant capabilities of Crailar Flax to perform seamlessly within its portfolio, while integrating a sustainable, all-natural fiber into its textile mix and its consumer product story," said Barker.

October 4, 2011