CRAiLAR Technologies Signs Development Agreement With Cotswold Industries Inc.

VICTORIA, BC and PORTLAND, Ore.  — February 12, 2013 — CRAiLAR Technologies Inc. (“CL” or the
“Company”) (TSXV: CL) (OTCBB: CRLRF), which produces and markets CRAiLAR®, a natural fiber made
from flax and other bast fibers, has entered a development agreement with Cotswold Industries Inc.
to encompass sustainable pocketing and waist banding for its branded apparel customers. Cotswold
affiliate Central Textiles, in Central S.C., will be the primary conduit for the processing and
weaving of CRAiLAR Flax Fiber for the product line.

“We continue to identify new market opportunities for CRAiLAR that fit into both long-term
category opportunities and increased brand awareness,” said Ken Barker, CEO of CRAiLAR
Technologies. “Cotswold is exactly that kind of partner in terms of its work with global brands,
its specialization in the area we are developing with the company, and the opportunity to grow
therein.”

“We are excited to help develop and market such a truly sustainable, high strength and
versatile fiber into our mass market channels,” said James McKinnon, CEO of Cotswold Industries.
“Partnering with CRAiLAR fits perfectly within our corporate strategy to be a leader in
environmentally conscious textile manufacturing.”

Posted on February 12, 2013

Source: Crailar Technologies Inc.

The Rupp Report: Booming U.S. Market

Some people may think that this cannot be true: How is it possible that the United States is having
a boom in textiles? There is an array of reasons, and a few of them are important for the U.S.
textile industry.



A $50 Billion Investment

Some days ago, it was announced in the press that Walmart is willing to spend $50 billion in
10 years on the textile manufacturing industry in the United States
(See ”
From
The Editor: $50 Billion — Walmart’s 10-year Commitment,”
TextileWorld.com, January/February 2013).

For a long time there has been a public relations campaign in the United States to encourage
consumers to buy Made in USA products. However, one could see that many companies supported this
slogan in public but purchased anyway in Asia. This commitment of Walmart President and CEO Bill
Simon is quite remarkable, and the message has had a great impact on the global map of the
producing textile industry. So, it’s time to take out the magnifying glass and get a closer look at
the recent U.S. market climate:



Questionable Third Quarter 2012

According to the latest International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) state of trade
statistics, the “output of global yarn production rose in the Q3/2012 in comparison to the previous
one due to higher output in Asia and South America, while production in Europe and North America
was down. Also in comparison to last year’s third quarter, yarn production rose in all regions
apart from North America.”

Furthermore, writes ITMF, “World fabric production increased in Q3/2012 in spite of lower
output in Europe due to increased production levels in Asia and South America. Year-on-year global
fabric production was down; while it increased in Europe, it decreased both in Asia and South
America. Global fabric stocks rose slightly in comparison to Q2/2012 as a consequence of higher
inventories in Asia and South America and despite lower ones in Europe and North America.”

ITMF continues: “In comparison with the previous quarter, world yarn output rose in Q3/2012
by +7.5 percent as a result of high production in Asia (+8.5 percent), due to higher output in
China (+9.3 percent), India (+7.6 percent), and Pakistan (+1.9 percent). Yarn production in South
America increased by +2.6 percent. Yarn output fell significantly in North America (-10.0
percent).”

(For the complete ITMF state of trade summary, see ”
Global
Yarn And Fabric Output Rose In Q3/2012,”
TextileWorld.com, February 5, 2013.)

So, why are the spinners and the textile machinery industry full of expectations for the time
being? On a recent tour in Germany, the Rupp Report asked some opinion leaders about their
experiences in the last five to six months with the textile markets in the United States.

Various Reasons

Edda Walraf, head of marketing, Rieter Ltd., Switzerland, confirmed that “Rieter is also
experiencing a stimulation of demand in the U.S. Many things are on the move. Reasons for this are,
first of all, subsidized cotton, and also favorable production costs as well as more expensive
imports on the market. Maybe the Made in USA movement is also having some influence, but, as we all
know, at the end of the day, it’s the price. Most projects are replacements for existing mills.
Labor costs are a very important issue when it comes to rotor and air-jet spinning.”

Nicolai Strauch, press officer at the VDMA Textile Machinery Association, is also confirming
the trend: “Yes, our members are recognizing a positive trend in the U.S. Business is very active
with the U.S. textile industry. At the moment, the U.S. is one of the top markets for German
textile machinery — together with China, Turkey and India.”

He also mentioned a quite remarkable move from one of the leading brands in global
sportswear, adidas: “We know that adidas is moving part of its Chinese production to Myanmar
(Burma). The production plant in Suzhou will be closed.”

The Rupp Report has some more in-depth information from various sources, which confirm this
trend of shifting production out of China because of higher production costs there, which basically
occur from soaring energy prices and increased labor costs.

Zschimmer & Schwarz, with its headquarters in Lahnstein, Germany, is an international
supplier of a broad variety of tailor-made specialties and auxiliaries for different industries,
including fibers and fabrics with more than 20 companies and participation in 15 countries.

“Yes,” said Andrea Proefrock, director, Fibre Auxiliaries business unit, Zschimmer &
Schwarz, “the U.S. market is developing very well. After an average start in 2012, the second half
of the year increased steadily.” When asked what are the main reasons for this boom, Proefrock
answered: “Well, the U.S. market is looking more and more for niche products and, consequently,
high-quality products. As a producer of tailor-made auxiliaries, we have the right products to
serve the requirements of the U.S. textile industry. And we see no reason that this positive trend
will be coming to an end in the near future.”



Dominant Far East

However, according to Proefrock, Asia is still dominating the market, mainly for man-made
fibers. Eighty percent of the global man-made-fiber production is in China, Taiwan and Korea; and
Indonesia is getting closer to being an important player, too. “And,” she said, “this is not only
for commodities like POY [partially oriented yarn] and similar yarns. These markets are producing
more and more specialty yarns.” Zschimmer & Schwarz is serving other sectors of the textile
industry, too, such as fabrics for industrial applications and nonwovens.

Times are favorable for the United States. Cheap energy prices, competitive production lines
and decent labor costs, blended with the ever-ongoing will to succeed, make the United States a
highly competitive supplier for the global textile industry, and certainly for fibers and yarns. To
close this Rupp Report with another quote from Bill Simon: “If we can help create these jobs here,
it will make us proud as Americans. It’s crazy that 70 percent of cotton grown in the US is shipped
overseas, spun into products and then often shipped right back here. We can cut out two shipments
across the world and weeks on the water and cut our costs in the process. We can save our customers
money by employing more of their neighbors — why wouldn’t we do this?” Period.

February 5, 2013

STF To Increase Nylon Manufacturing Capacity At Stoneville, N.C., Plant

Gastonia, N.C.-based Sans Technical Fibers LLC (STF) — a manufacturer of nylon 6,6 filament and
yarns, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of South Africa-based AECI Ltd. — will invest $10 million to
increase nylon manufacturing capacity at its Stoneville, N.C., plant by 8 million pounds annually.
STF will use the additional capacity — which represents an increase of approximately 45 percent and
is expected to come on line toward the end of 2013 — to grow its position in the automotive,
military and apparel markets in both industrial and textile applications.

“This expansion is the first stage of a strategic initiative to install equipment that gives
us world-class manufacturing economics,” said Zach Zacharias, president, STF. “Our long-term
sourcing partnership with Ascend Performance Materials Inc., a quality nylon 6,6 chip producer,
ensures that we are well positioned to thrive in a future competitive environment. The new
technology fits well into our existing infrastructure and has resulted in good investment metrics.
The new capabilities will allow STF to enter additional markets currently not served in both North
America and globally.”

The expansion follows STF’s investment of more than $2.8 million in 2009 to increase the
Stoneville plant’s capacity to 8,000 metric tons per year (see ”
Sans
Technical Fibers To Expand Stoneville, N.C., Plant,”
TextileWorld.com, Dec. 8, 2009).



February 5, 2013

HeiQ And Rudolf Join To Offer Technologies Under Barrier Brand

Switzerland-based HeiQ Materials AG — a manufacturer of silver composite additives and
high-performance, sustainable textile finishes — and Germany-based Rudolf GmbH — a manufacturer of
sustainable textile auxiliaries for sizing, pretreatment, dyeing and finishing — have partnered to
offer their durable water-repellent technologies under the Barrier brand.

Barrier technologies offer sustainable water, oil and stain repellency for outerwear fabrics.
The new joint portfolio includes environmentally-friendly fluorine-free dendrimer, 3-D
hyperbranched coral-like polymer technologies, and clean C6- and C8-based fluorines; and will
include more coating technologies in the future, the companies report.

February 5, 2013

First Source Worldwide Acquires Dyes Division From Manufacturers Chemicals

Effective Jan. 1, 2013, chemical and colorant manufacturer and distributor First Source Worldwide
LLC (FSW), Neenah, Wis., has acquired the Dalton, Ga.-based dyes business of custom chemical
formulator Manufacturers Chemicals, Cleveland, Tenn.

As a small to mid-size dye supplier, Manufacturers Chemicals has been searching for a way to
exit that sector because of competitive challenges. “Dyes have become an increasingly difficult
product line for small to mid-size suppliers,” a company spokesman noted. “The manufacturing base
and supply chain are ever changing and the inability for small to mid-size companies to compete
with the proper level of pricing and quality became apparent to us in 2011. We spent a large part
of 2012 trying to determine how best to structure an exit strategy that would be beneficial to our
customers. First Source Worldwide was the perfect candidate to service our customers,” he added,
noting FSW’s position and credibility in all the markets it serves and its dye technology
expertise.

“We see a huge opportunity to participate in the carpet and rug industry,” said FSW CEO Dale
Clark, noting advantages FSW offers including financial stability, its portfolio of dye
manufacturing partners and its technical depth. “We plan to offer quality, sensible pricing,
environmental stewardship and technical services in a highly focused customer-friendly manner.”

The acquisition comprises operations at Manufacturers Chemicals’ former site on Waring Road
in Dalton including Nauta blending equipment, a customer service laboratory, a warehouse dedicated
to the carpet industry and local delivery services. In addition, FSW plans to upgrade the
facility’s computer, color match and spectrophotometer, trucking, packaging, and accounting
systems. Former Manufacturers Chemicals employee and carpet and rug industry veteran Robby Quarles
is managing the operation.



February 5, 2013

Alvanon Introduces Mexico Standard AlvaForms

Apparel fit solutions provider Alvanon Inc., New York City, now offers the Mexico Standard AlvaForm
Series of fit mannequins targeted to apparel manufacturers serving the Mexican market. Alvanon
President Ed Gribbin and Camara Nacional de la Industria del Vestido (CANAIVE) Past President
Alejandro Faes will introduce the series in Mexico City on Wednesday, February 6, at
ExpoProducción, a new trade show focused on the apparel, home textiles and technical textiles
sectors.

“The most obvious benefit to consumers will be better fitting clothes,” Gribbin said. “For
retailers and brands that means improved sell through, conversion rates, customer satisfaction and
brand loyalty. On the manufacturing side, the standard will speed time from design to production
and facilitate greater quality control.”

The Mexico Standard AlvaForms are based on averages of weight, height and body measurements
derived from data gathered during the Size Mexico body scan campaign, which was sponsored by
Mexico-based CANAIVE in conjunction with Walmart de Mexico, Paris-based fashion software provider
Lectra and CVS Group. The survey included thousands of body scans taken of consumers in 14 cities
across Mexico.  The Size Mexico campaign is expected to benefit Mexico’s apparel industry by
reducing merchandise returns and saving the industry $400 million by 2017.

Alvanon

Alvanon is introducing its Mexico Standard AlvaForm Series of fit mannequins this week at
ExpoProducción in Mexico City.

According to Gribbin, Mexican apparel manufacturers had been using United States-related and
outdated Mexican size specifications. “It was time, with all the other size studies being done
around the world, for Mexico to support its clothing and retail industries and, most importantly,
end user consumers with accurate sizing data,” he said.



February 5, 2013

Mohawk Industries Inc. Announces Acquisition Of Spano Group

CALHOUN, Ga. — January 28, 2013 — Mohawk Industries, Inc. (NYSE: MHK) announced today that it has
entered into an agreement to purchase Spano Invest NV (“Spano”), a Belgian panel board
manufacturer, for €125 million ($168 million) in cash. Spano’s 2012 revenues are estimated at
approximately €180 million ($231 million). The business is expected to be slightly accretive in the
first full year. This transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2013 and is subject to
customary governmental approvals and closing conditions.

Spano manufactures and distributes chip and melamine board, which are used to produce
furniture and building products primarily in the Belgian market. Spano became a leader in the
chipboard industry in 1977 when it introduced the first continuous press operations, significantly
increasing its production capacity. Today, Spano operates facilities in Belgium and has an
electricity plant joint venture that converts waste wood into green energy.

In commenting on the acquisition, Jeffrey S. Lorberbaum, Mohawk’s Chairman and CEO, stated,
“The combination of Unilin and Spano will create significant synergies to bring greater value to
our customers and broaden our product offering. Spano expands not only our customer base with a
focus on different channels of distribution, but also our knowledge and technical expertise, which
we can leverage. Together, there are many opportunities to optimize manufacturing assets, raw
materials, and production efficiencies. We look forward to bringing Spano’s talented team into the
Unilin family.”

Certain of the statements in the immediately preceding paragraphs, particularly anticipating
future performance, business prospects, growth and operating strategies and similar matters and
those that include the words “could,” “should,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” and
“estimates,” or similar expressions constitute “forward-looking statements.” For those statements,
Mohawk claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  There can be no assurance that the
forward-looking statements will be accurate because they are based on many assumptions, which
involve risks and uncertainties. The following important factors could cause future results to
differ: changes in economic or industry conditions; competition; inflation in raw material prices
and other input costs; energy costs and supply; timing and level of capital expenditures; timing
and implementation of price increases for the Company’s products; impairment charges; integration
of acquisitions; international operations; introduction of new products; rationalization of
operations; tax, product and other claims; litigation; and other risks identified in Mohawk’s SEC
reports and public announcements.



Posted on February 5, 2013

Source: Mohawk Industries Inc./PR Newswire

UniFirst Introduces New Armorex® COOL Flame Resistant (FR) Workwear

WILMINGTON, Mass. — January 28, 2013 — UniFirst has expanded its proprietary line of flame
resistant (FR) workwear with its new Armorex® COOL work shirts and coveralls. These new safety
garments are made of an innovative, lighter weight, tri-blended FR fabric that helps keep workers
who are exposed to flame risks safe and more comfortable on the job.

“In wear tests, it was confirmed that our new Armorex® COOL work apparel is more comfortable
and cooler to wear than competitive products touting maximum comfort,” said Adam Soreff, Director
of Marketing at UniFirst. “We expect these new safety products to become a favorite with employers
and workers seeking FR clothing that’s cooler and drier in warm or hot environments.”

Ideally suited for such workers as those in the oil and gas industries, as well in
environments that produce combustible dust, the Armorex® COOL work shirts and coveralls are made
from a new Tecasafe® Plus 580 fabric by TenCate. The cellulosic tri-blend FR fabric features a
lighter weight that weighs just 5.8 oz./sq. yard and touts outstanding moisture wicking and air
permeability characteristics. UL Classified® and tested in accordance with ASTM F1959, Armorex®
COOL is NFPA 2112 and NFPA 70E compliant (ATPV 6.5; HRC 1) for protection against flash fires and
electric arcs. And because the new Tecasafe fabric is inherently flame resistant, the protective
qualities can never wash out.

Like all garments in the Armorex® FR family brand, Armorex® COOL is designed specifically for
maximum comfort, greater ease of movement, and a more professional appearance. In fact, the
Armorex® COOL work shirt features distinctive “dress shirt” construction that provides a crisper,
more polished business image when compared to competitive FR garments.

Under its Armorex® FR brand, UniFirst offers a wide range of work shirts, pants, and
outerwear to meet the protective clothing needs of workers exposed to flammability risks, all
available for “rent” or purchase.  In addition to Tecasafe® Plus FR fabric options, 
UniFirst manufactures its Armorex® FR safety line using such innovative and proven flame resistant
fabrics as UniFirst “88/12 FR” fabric, UltraSoft®, CXP® (Next Generation Nomex), and Nomex® IIIA.



Posted on February 5, 2013

Source: UniFirst/PR Newswire

M&G Signs A US$ 1 Billion EPC Contract With Sinopec Engineering (Group) Co., Ltd. For The Construction Of Its Corpus Christi PET/PTA Plants

HOUSTON — January 11, 2013 — The M&G Group (“M&G”), one of the three leading producers in
the Americas of PET for packaging applications, announced today that it has signed a US$ 1 billion
engineering, procurement and construction contract (“EPC Contract”) with Sinopec Engineering
(Group) Co., Ltd. (“SEG”) for the turnkey construction in Corpus Christi (Texas, US) of the world’s
largest single line PET plant with a capacity of 1 million tons per year (2.2 billion pounds),
integrated with the largest western world’s single line PTA plant with a capacity of 1.2 million
tons per year (2.6 billion pounds).

M&G’s engineering arms, Chemtex Global S.a r.l. and M&G Finanziaria S.r.l., will
provide critical equipment and services on a subcontracting basis to turnkey contractor SEG.

The completion of construction of the plants, including the time required to obtain necessary
permits, is expected to occur within 36 months.

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (“ICBC”, the world’s largest bank by market
capitalization) and Banco Inbursa (a leading Mexican bank) are expected to provide the bank
financing for the project.

M&G will be the sole owner of the plants and solely responsible for their operation.

“This is the largest PET investment ever in the western world and probably one of the largest
investments recently announced in the US in the private sector. It is the celebration of
excellence. It combines the excellence of the Corpus Christi (Texas, US) site, the excellence of
state of the art technologies, and the excellence of geographical heterogeneous project
participants in their respective fields of competence being production of PET/PTA, engineering and
construction of chemical plants or banking and financials services. It shows that good projects
attract the very best even in the current economic downturn. I am very proud of this achievement,”
said Marco Ghisolfi, CEO of M&G’s Polymers Business Unit.

“The awarding of this important contract to SEG is a big milestone for entering the North
America EPC market, which is a part of SEG business strategy to diversify from coal chemicals to
polymers,” said Yan Shaochun, President & CEO of SINOPEC Engineering Group.

Posted on February 5, 2013

Source: M&G Group/PR Newswire

Södra Cell Reaches 100,000 Tonnes Of Textile Pulp

Växjö, Sweden — February 1, 2013 — Södra Cell has sold 100,000 tonnes of textile pulp since
production began at its Mörrum mill in December 2011. This milestone has been reached sooner than
planned.

“We had budgeted to produce 50,000 tonnes in 2012. That we have now reached 100,000 tonnes in
January of 2013 is a fantastic result,” said Dag Benestad, Business Area Manager Dissolving Pulp.
It took 12 months to convert line 1 at Mörrum to textile pulp and the company is now looking at
converting an additional line to softwood-based textile pulp, primarily for customers in Europe and
Asia.
”

Posted on February 5, 2013

Source: Södra Cell International


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