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 entered into a short-term Crailar Flax fiber development agreement
with New York City-based apparel company PVH Corp. under which PVH will evaluate the fiber for use
in dress and sports shirt lines including Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Van Heusen, IZOD, ARROW and
Bass.
PVH has stated in its corporate environmental policy that it is working to minimize the
environmental impact of its business units and operational activities — specifically in regards to
waste management, energy reduction, water usage and elimination of harmful substances — and is
looking to partner with vendors that have the same sustainability commitments.
The Crailar process converts bast fibers into materials that are as soft as cotton but more
durable and eco-friendly, according to NAT. These bast fibers can be blended with cotton and other
fibers; and can be processed using existing spinning, weaving, knitting or other fabric-forming
processes. NAT states that Crailar’s manufacturing process typically enables partner brands to
significantly reduce water and chemical usage at both the agriculture and manufacturing stages, and
it also reduces shrinkage.
“We are excited about the prospect of integrating this new all-natural fiber into our
products,” said Emanuel Chirico, chairman and CEO, PVH Corp. “We enter this agreement with the
belief that Crailar can move us closer to our goals of progressive environmental standards,
including responsible water usage overall, and significant reduction in hazardous chemical waste in
water, air and inputs from farmland to finished products.”
