Buffalo Grove, Ill.-based Dow Microbial Control — a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company,
Midland, Mich., and developer of SILVADUR™ antimicrobial technology — recently conducted a survey
of 750 U.S. consumers to learn their preferences with regard to antimicrobial properties in
apparel, footwear and home furnishings products such as mattresses, pillows, sheets and towels.

The company reports survey conclusions include the following, among other findings:

•    Consumers are willing to pay 5- to 20-percent premiums to purchase
certain apparel and home furnishings goods that offer “new generation” antimicrobial performance.

•    Among current and potential consumers who own goods that feature
antimicrobial properties, 90 percent and 60 percent, respectively, expressed interest in purchasing
antimicrobial-treated products such as those mentioned above.

•    Among more than 60 percent of survey participants, there is a very high
concern about bacteria, mold, parasites and dust that are found in the home and in food; in
addition to airborne and viral infections.

Noting that research has been lacking in the area of understanding consumer preferences for
antimicrobial-treated product features, Dow Microbial Control’s Global Strategic Marketing Manager
Karel Williams said, “Understanding this consumer mindset is critical throughout the apparel and
textiles value chain, but particularly to textile manufacturers, retailers and brand owners who
want to increase their sales and margins.”

September 17, 2013

Tanatex Chemicals, the Netherlands, now offers fluorine-free water repellency technology under the
HydrECO Concept name. The technology involves the use of fluorine-free 3-D molecules that provide
fabrics with waterproof properties under even extreme situations, according to the company.
Applications include technical fabrics such as awnings, boat covers and outdoor furnishings; as
well as apparel such as rain gear and sportswear.

The line features BAYGARD® WRS for man-made fibers, and Baygard WRC for cotton and cotton
blends. The company reports the water-repellent effect is highly durable, and imparts a pleasant
hand to fabrics.

September/October 2013

HeiQ Materials AG, Switzerland, reports that Switzerland-based outdoor apparel manufacturer R’ADYS
AG’s entire 2014 summer collection will be finished using HeiQ’s Barrier ECO fluorine-free durable
water repellent (DWR) treatment.

The bluesign®-certified treatment offers a more environmentally friendly alternative to
fluorine-based C8- and C6-based water-repellent technologies, according to HeiQ, and also provides
good abrasion resistance and imparts a soft hand.

HeiQ reports that R’ADYS is the first outdoor apparel manufacturer to have switched its
entire collection to fluorine-free DWR technology. R’ADYS applies the Barrier ECO treatment using
R-SONIC laser and adhesives technology.

“When R’ADYS approached us with their decision to go totally fluorine-free in such a short
timeline, HeiQ accepted the challenge to make it happen,” said Carlo Centonze, CEO and founder,
HeiQ. “The smooth partnership and open information exchange between R’ADYS, HeiQ and its partner
mills resulted in what is today the most functional, performing and most sustainable outdoor
apparel collection in the world – a must-have for every truehearted outdoor passionate.”

R’ADYS’ 2014 summer collection will feature HeiQ’s Barrier ECO DWR treatment

September/October 2013

Huntsman Textile Effects (HTE), Singapore, has introduced EverGlide™ Low Friction Systems for
activewear including endurance sportswear, cycle shorts, base layer mountain-hiking wear,
equestrian trousers, sports underwear and training/gym wear.

The technology wicks perspiration from the skin, reducing the fabric-to-skin friction often
experienced when apparel becomes saturated with perspiration during strenuous activity. Combined
with HTE’s “cool comfort” moisture-management system that enhances body-temperature regulation and
imparts quick-drying properties, EverGlide can defend against blisters and skin reddening. Huntsman
reports that in relative friction tests based on friction coefficient values on both nylon/elastane
and polyester knits, EverGlide has been shown to be four times more effective than conventional
softeners. The finish also offers a soft, silky hand and enhances fabric resilience and durability.

EverGlide may be applied to all substrates; and its low yellowing properties do not affect
thermomigration or degree of whiteness, even under molding conditions, according to Huntsman.

September/October 2013

Emerald Specialties — a business group of Emerald Performance Materials LLC, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio —
has introduced FREEREZ® ZERO formaldehyde-free crosslinking resins for jeans and denim fabric wet
processing.

The company reports the glyoxal-based resin offers a more environmentally friendly solution
for producing fashion denim products than that offered by traditional low-formaldehyde resins, and
creates durable effects for dark vintage shades and 3-D appearances on jeans. In testing by
regulatory and compliance group WIL Research in accordance with Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development guidelines, the resin has been shown to be a non-irritating substance.

“There has long been a demand in the textile and apparel industries for a durable resin that
combines a formaldehyde-free formula with performance and economy for denim textiles,” said Barry
Ferguson, textile sales and marketing manager, Emerald Specialties. “Prior generations of
formaldehyde-free technology fell short in providing an economical solution that met all the
performance criteria. As a leader in this technology platform, Emerald has developed a solution
that addresses all the key needs of the market — formaldehyde-free, economical, excellent
processing characteristics and performance to create the desired crinkle effects in today’s
designer jeans.”

September/October 2013

FAIRFAX, Va. — September 17, 2013 — SGIA’s PDAA Graphics Application Zone (Booth #1240) will return
to the 2013 SGIA Expo (Orlando, October 23-25) to give attendees the opportunity to learn about new
techniques and materials used in this dynamic segment of the specialty graphics industry.

The PDAA Zone is entirely interactive – highlights include:

Hands-On Education

Get out of your seat and grab a squeegee. Try your own skills and even get tips and tricks
from installation experts.

Face-to-Face Demonstrations

Live demonstrations, informative presentations and hands-on vinyl installation opportunities.
Ask the Installer

Talk one-on-one with certified graphics installers to ask questions about anything
installation: Media, equipment, designs, technique, and so much more!

Strong Networking

Meet industry experts, business owners and installers before, during and after the
presentations. Compare stories about techniques, unique installations and business tips in this
Zone dedicated completely to installers.

Zone sponsors include Avery Dennison, Kay Premium Marking Films, MACtac/Morgan Adhesives
Company and Ritrama Inc.

For the first time, a PDAA Master Certification test will be held the day before the Expo
opens, on October 22. Register now to prove your skills are at their highest level and then
experience the full spectrum of installation opportunities at the SGIA Expo! Only two seats left!

Early Expo registration ends Friday, September 20! For more information and to register for
your FREE Expo pass, visit SGIA.org.



SGIA – Supporting the Leaders of the Digital & Screen Printing Community

“Specialty imaging” comprises digital imaging, screen printing and the many other imaging
technologies SGIA members use, including those they’ll tap in the future. These are the imaging
processes and technologies employed to create new products and to enhance existing products
including point-of-purchase displays, printed electronics, membrane switches, signs,
advertisements, garments, containers and vehicles. Make the most of your specialty imaging
business.

If you still need to register for a complimentary press pass for the 2013 SGIA Expo, please
contact Lia Milgram. Once onsite, be sure to stop by the SGIA Expo Press Lounge (Room S220A of the
Orange County Convention Center) for the latest Expo and exhibitor news, Internet access and
coffee. For those who cannot attend the SGIA Expo this year, please look out for press
announcements SGIA will send out before, during and after the show.

Source: SGIA