Texas Tech University Involves High School Students In Nonwovens Research

LUBBOCK, Texas — October 24, 2011 — The Institute of Environmental and Human Health (TIEHH) at
Texas Tech University has made history for the Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry’s
(TAPPI) nonwovens division due to the university’s involvement of high school students in its
cotton nonwovens research. 

Kahan Chavda, a senior from St. Mark’s School of Texas in Dallas; Aarav Chavda, a junior from
St. Mark’s School of Texas; Ronald Kendall Jr., a senior from Lubbock Coronado High School; and
Luke Kitten, a senior from Lubbock Trinity High School, participated in the research.

The research from these high school students contributed to the work on oil absorption by
cotton nonwovens and was presented at the leading nonwovens conference in Atlanta.

“This is a very significant achievement,” said TAPPI President Larry Montague. “To my
knowledge this is the first time that high school students were specifically targeted and brought
to an event like TAPPI.”

The students not only attended the conference but also participated in the program sessions,
as well as interacted with professionals already working in the nonwovens industry.

“In the five years I have been with TAPPI, I have not seen a group like this prior to TIEHH’s
outreach program,” Montague said. “The attendees for this conference were very impressed with how
these students dressed and interacted with some of the industry’s best and brightest.”

TIEHH’s research focuses on West Texas cotton, specifically the 10 percent of cotton that,
due to the weather in the region, doesn’t fully mature and must be sold at a discounted rate.

“What our lab thought two years back was why can’t we take this discounted cotton and find
new market opportunities for that cotton,” said Seshadri Ramkumar, associate professor of nonwoven
materials and countermeasures to chemical threats.

Vinit Singh, a graduate student at Texas Tech, found that the discounted cotton absorbs more
oil than higher quality cotton, and to prove that he enlisted the help of the high school students
to assist in conducting research.

Utkarsh Sata, a postdoctoral associate in Ramkumar’s laboratory guided Chavda brothers this
summer to find added applications for cotton nonwovens.

“I became interested in it a few years back when Fibertect® started getting some
recognition,” Kendall said. “I get to do some cool things out here which makes it fun to talk about
with people and gets some of my fellow classmates interested in it.”

Kendall and Kitten still are actively involved in the research. Kitten battled Lymphoma
during his participation in the research.

He said doing research out at TIEHH allowed him the opportunity to take his mind off the
treatments.

“Going to treatments affected my schedule a lot,” Kitten said. “I missed a lot of school and
work going to treatments. But everyone here has been very helpful and very supportive.”

Kendall and Kitten are currently investigating the oil absorption capabilities of the 2011
cotton crop.

“Ramkumar’s research has and is a crucial part of making the world more aware of this
fascinating industry,” Montague said. “Just about the time we think we have heard it all before, a
press release comes out from Texas Tech, with another winning research project that has resulted in
a new product line.”

Posted on October 25, 2011

Source: Texas Tech University

Clariant Presents Quiospheres® For All Day, Everyday Cosmetotextiles

MUTTENZ, Germany — October 18, 2011 — Clariant offers textile manufacturers and brands a new high
strength, high performance effect in cosmetotextiles that generates wellness and well-being to the
consumer. Quiospheres® uses state of the art cosmetic microencapsulation that can be applied to any
fabric. Clariant’s high-tech textile technology provides the key to creating the long lasting
cosmetic effect of the fabric.

“Quiospheres® is a major breakthrough in the area of cosmetotextiles,” says Rainer Roesch,
Head of Marketing & Application Development of Clariant’s Business Unit Textile Chemicals.
“Lipotec SA has been our partner in this innovation. Lipotec has great expertise in advanced active
ingredients and the encapsulation of cosmetics. We have combined their cosmetic expertise with our
textile technology to create a product that contributes and provides cosmetic wellness effects
without effort on the part of the end user. It’s a win-win development for textile manufacturers
and brands. Quiospheres® creates almost limitless opportunities for added value textile products.”

Manufacturers and brands have a choice of two effects: Quiospheres® Moist, which provides
hydrating and moisturizing properties and Quiospheres® Slim, which offers firmness and wellness.
Each product has been designed with the latest state of the art technology to offer enhanced level
of wellness and well-being.

Quiospheres® ‘transpheres’ softness, firmness and smoothness to the skin in an invisible
gesture and the cosmetic benefits and claims are supported by Lipotec’s R&D&i (Research
& Development & innovation), which are well recognized by the global cosmetics industry.

Quiospheres® utilizes Clariant’s innovative technology to produce a homogenous, durable
application of Lipotec’s high value, microencapsulated cosmetic ingredients onto wovens, knits and
nonwovens. It can be applied to any textile fabric, such as cotton, and nylon.

The application technology of the microcapsules to the fabric is quality controlled and they
are distributed evenly across the fabric. Quiospheres® microcapsules are protected and unaffected
by the impact of handling, mechanical stress and high temperature throughout the production process
of the fabric.

Beside the high quality ingredients, the cosmetic effects are released towards the skin
through a unique two-step technology. The first step is the ‘transphere’ of the microcapsules from
the fabric, thanks to the special design of Quiospheres®, which confers them a high affinity for
the skin.The perfect affinity of Quiospheres® is a key for the effective transference and the
homogenous flow of feelings of well-being and wellness.

The second step is a proven gradual release and ‘transphere’ of the cosmetic ingredients
caused by the reaction or activity of our natural skin enzymes with the microcapsule shell’s
components, allowing the ingredients to be delivered to the skin. Lipotec’s ingredients (such as
peptides) have been proven to be biologically active. Among them, a series of new peptides have
been tailor-made with biomimetic criteria, emulating the natural skin molecules and improving its
functionality. Once the garment or product is worn and comes into contact with the skin, the
release of the cosmetic ingredients begins. The longer they are worn, the better the feeling of
well-being.

The release of the ingredients is scientifically measured and continues for an extended
period of time. Not only are the ingredients long lasting but the fabric has a high wash resistance
and the microcapsules remain effective through 20 wash cycles. Garments incorporating Quiospheres®
can be tumbled and ironed at warm temperatures up to 70°C. Sensitive laundering is recommended for
Quiospheres® finished garments to support a long lasting effect of the microencapsulated cosmetic
ingredients.

For the end user, Quiospheres® will be seen as a real advance in cosmetotextiles and an
effortless means of generating feelings of wellness and well-being, all day, everyday.



Posted on October 25, 2011

Source: Clariant International Ltd. 

TenCate Receives Major Order For Three TenCate Defender M™ Fabrics

UNION CITY, Ga. — October 11, 2011 — TenCate Defense & Tactical, the leading supplier of
inherently flame resistant (FR) fabrics for ground troop uniforms, was selected to receive a major
order for new TenCate Defender™ M fabrics specifically designed to meet new end-user needs to
improve pant performance. The new fabrics, including TenCate Defender™ M Stretch — a unique and
durable stretch FR fabric — are the result of the commitment of TenCate to continually improving
the protection, comfort, and durability of its advanced materials.



New Contracts

The US Army awarded two new contracts to purchase the Army Combat Pant which will be made of
three TenCate Defender™ M fabrics that are new to the US Army. These pants, specifically designed
for soldiers currently deployed outside the wire in the Afghan theatre, are intended to provide
additional comfort and durability for the rigors of the mission in the rough terrain of the Afghan
mountains, but also provide extra FR protection needed to reduce burn injuries encountered when
involved in IED attacks.

The contracts have been awarded to Crye Precision, Massif Mountain Gear and Propper
International. A Federal Procurement Listing (FPL) will provide Ready One and Goodwill Industries
with funding to manufacture the ACP as well. TenCate Defense & Tactical is already in
production to supply the fabric for Army Combat Pants which are expected to be in the Afghan
theatre by early 2012.

Innovation

TenCate Defender™ M is the leader in FR protection for soldiers, and TenCate has proudly won
repeated solicitations and ‘sources sought’ evaluations since 2007. Driven by the dedication to
continually improve the performance of TenCate Defender™ M, conditions such as the nature of combat
action and the rough Afghan terrain were studied in an effort to mitigate severe wear and tear of
the combat uniform. Engineers at TenCate reexamined the performance testing data and found ways to
make TenCate Defender™ M even more durable, giving it an overall higher level of performance.

By providing three new TenCate Defender™ M fabrics, namely TenCate Defender™ M 6.8 oz Twill,
TenCate Defender™ M 6.0 oz Stretch, and TenCate Defender™ M 6.8 oz Twill AR7, TenCate has helped
re-engineer the Army Combat Uniform to provide an even higher level of protection, comfort and
durability to meet the requirements of the day-to-day rigors of the ongoing war in Afghanistan.

Continuing Dedication

The awarded contracts are expected to result in 90,000 pairs of the ACP for fielding. TenCate
Defense & Tactical is proud to have the opportunity to continue supplying our troops with the
fabric that provides the absolute best combination of protection, comfort and durability.



Posted on October 21, 2011

Source: TenCate Protective Fabrics Americas

Donna Karan Selects RLM FashionManager As Global Systems Platform

LYNDHURST, N.J. — October 18, 2011 — RLM Apparel Software Systems Inc. announces that leading
fashion design house Donna Karan International has selected FashionManager™ enterprise software to
manage all global operations. The comprehensive business solution will serve as the information
system backbone for the company’s complete range of apparel, bags, shoes, and accessories product
lines. The fully integrated, functionally advanced solution promises to help Donna Karan achieve
higher levels of productivity and efficiency while streamlining operations and increasing business
process visibility.

According to Cindy Payero, Vice President DK/DKNY Systems, “While our operations were already
quite efficient, we knew that we could benefit from state-of-the-art technology. After a thorough
evaluation, we concluded that RLM provided the best option for our diverse product and
international process requirements. By supporting our entire operation, FashionManager will enable
us to eliminate functional and visibility gaps throughout our business.”

When fully implemented, the FashionManager software will be used by about 400 Donna Karan
associates in the New York headquarters and other global operations centers in the United States,
the Netherlands, and Hong Kong. The company’s supply partners will also have access to relevant
information through an integrated vendor portal. The FashionManager solution will manage order
processing and fulfillment in multiple currencies and will increase accuracy and speed deliveries
to Donna Karan and independent department and specialty retail stores. 

“We look forward to the ease of use and productivity that FashionManager provides”, added
Payero. “In addition to its many advanced capabilities, ease of use was very important to our
teams. Features like the one-click export to Excel® and the individually configurable tables will
greatly enhance the user experience.”

Implementation of the new system is expected to begin soon at the company’s New York
headquarters and New Jersey distribution center. 

“We are pleased to be selected as the global systems solution for Donna Karan”, noted RLM
Vice President Andy Lynn. “As one of the most successful and efficient companies in the business,
we applaud their vision to equip their teams with the most advanced technology possible. We look
forward to helping them achieve even greater levels of operational excellence and competitiveness.”

Posted on October 20, 2011

Source: RLM Apparel Software Systems

The Rupp Report: Think About The Next Generation

In the last 20-plus years, mainly in the West, the textile and textile machinery industries have
experienced a true brain drain and loss of skilled people. Capable staff were sent to retirement or
bluntly sacked. On top of that, as everybody knows, established textile people are always
complaining about the “bad times.” So young people, who have had to decide in which direction their
professional careers should go, have hesitated to take jobs in the textile industry. All Rupp
Report readers know the saying: “Do whatever you wanna do, but stay away from textiles.”

Old Tales

Still today, as it might have been 100 years earlier, there are thoughts in some people’s
minds — and it’s still written in many schoolbooks — that there are young children lying on their
backs working under spinning machines and are covered with dust. This does not necessarily relate
to some situations in today’s world … However, the global textile community as such has failed to
communicate in every country the message that the textile and textile machinery industry is a very
interesting field and that capable progeny are the heart and soul of every healthy and sustainable
industry.

A True Gap

And what is the result of these missed opportunities? Today, there is a big gap between the
experienced workforce and the next generation. Who will be able to run the textile businesses 10
years from now? The Rupp Report is often confronted with the question: “Do you know some trained
young people who are willing to join us? Or students from various faculties?” Who has said to young
people that the textile industry has some of the most advanced technologies in the world? Nobody.
And why are the banks always complaining in their reports that there is “no future” for the textile
industry? Probably because … well, everybody knows the answer to this question. It doesn’t take
much to interest young kids in doing something, if it’s really interesting and offers a future for
making a living. Yet, motivation is another way to keep the next generation in the industry. And
the Rupp Report encountered a brilliant idea during the recent ITMA Europe in Barcelona.

Information Is Motivation

The Rupp Report talked with — among other exhibitors — Harry Jetter, head of communications
for the Germany-based Groz-Beckert Group, about the outcome of ITMA in Barcelona. Like all other
interviewed exhibitors, Jetter has only reported good news so far, only questioning the rhythm of
the ITMAs in Asia and Europe. But he told another impressive story: Groz-Beckert invited at the
company’s expense some 100 of its own apprentices to visit ITMA in Barcelona. What a good plan!
When asked the reasons for that decision, Jetter said, “Not only theoretical stuff is interesting
for young people. It is of utmost importance to show them the real world. And the real world is
ITMA; there is nothing comparable, where people can see so much machinery and information in one
place. It’s just attractive. And on top of that,” he added, “information motivates them.”

Ruppphoto

All the kids were dressed in the same T-shirt, and on the shirts was the slogan: ITMA = Im
Team Macht Arbeit Spass, which means: “To work on a team is fun.” Jetter mentioned that the
apprentices were wearing their shirts like a trophy. Just look at the kids in the picture: “Be
proud and say it loud, I’m working in textiles.” There is nothing more to add but to congratulate
Harry Jetter and his team.

Copying Allowed

To be copied has always been the highest form of flattery. But this idea from Groz-Beckert
is more than just an idea and should be copied in the same or similar form. It is a testimony to
the textile industry and shows true faith in the next generation. Well done.

Do you know comparable stories? The Rupp Report would be glad to publish them. Please write
to
jrupp@textileworld.com.

October 18, 2011

NatureWorks Nets Investment From PPT Chemical For Ingeo™ Plant In Thailand

Minnetonka, Minn.-based NatureWorks LLC reports it has received a $150 million investment from
Thailand-based PTT Chemical Public Co. Ltd. toward the construction of an Ingeo™ plant in Thailand.
The plant would be NatureWorks’ second production facility for the biopolymer, which is used in
various fiber and plastic products including apparel, home textiles, hygiene products, packaging
and food service-ware. Current plans have the plant entering production sometime in 2015.

“This is a significant investment by a leading chemical company, which will allow NatureWorks
to continue its aggressive growth while expanding its capacity to meet global demand for bio-based
products,” said Marc Verbruggen, president and CEO, NatureWorks. “PTT Chemical’s investment
demonstrates a significant milestone in moving Ingeo bio-based plastics and fibers to the polymer
mainstream.”

“NatureWorks is currently the forefront producer of bio-based products with commercially
viable production volumes, competitive costing and a global customer base,” said Veerasak
Kositpaisal, president and CEO, PTT Chemical. “Our investment in the company and its Ingeo
technology platform for plastics and fibers is in line with our long-term strategic green growth
and diversification objectives.”

“The Thai government encourages an investment in green chemicals, and particularly
bioplastics, which have high growth potential in the Southeast Asian market,” said Pichai
Naripthaphan, Thailand’s minister of energy H.E. “By attracting what could be the most advanced
biopolymer processing plant in the world to Thailand, PTT Chemical has made a significant step in
achieving Thailand’s strategic objectives of becoming a regional hub for green technologies and
solutions.”

October 18, 2011

TSG Finishing Develops Nonwoven Application Process For C6-based Fluorochemicals

North Wales, Pa.-based commission finisher TSG Finishing LLC reports it has developed a new process
for applying C6-based fluorochemicals to nonwoven medical fabrics. TSG’s new application method is
suitable for spunbond/meltblown SMMS nonwovens and hydroentangled fabrics, which may be used in
surgical gowns, drapes and instrument wraps.

“Our unique application technique is completely different from traditional technology used
in the industry to treat nonwovens,” said Jeffrey S. Goldman, technical director and principal,
TSG. “Oddly enough, the new technology was developed in our Pennsylvania plant on equipment
utilized for other textile products and has a number of important advantages over traditional
application methods. It provides outstanding hydrostatic head, alcohol repellency, static decay and
spray impact performance, while minimally affecting the nonwoven’s physical attributes such as
trapezoidal tear and grab tensile strength.”

The company reports that moving from C8- to C6-based chemistry typically results in higher
chemical costs and lower product performance. However, Goldman said the company has been evaluating
the performance of treated fabrics as well as processing costs and is finding results that are very
similar to those measured with its existing C8-based fluorochemical formulations.

October 18, 2011

BASF Invests In Superabsorbent Polymers

Germany-based BASF SE reports it plans to build superabsorbent polymer (SAP) plants in Brazil and
China, and is evaluating the viability of a similar plant in Malaysia. SAPs are capable of
absorbing and holding up to 500 times their own weight in liquid, or up to 50 times their own
weight in salty fluids such as urine. The primary end-uses for SAPs are diapers, and adult
incontinence and feminine hygiene products. Diapers especially become much thinner, but just as
absorbent with the use of SAPs, BASF reports.

The planned facility in Camaçari, Brazil, will have an annual capacity of 60,000 metric
tons, and production is anticipated to begin in late 2014. BASF-YPC Co. Ltd., a 50/50 joint venture
company between BASF and Sinopec Ltd., will construct a plant in Nanjing, China. That facility,
also having a planned capacity of 60,000 metric tons per year, is expected to begin commercial
production in early 2014.

A study currently is underway to determine the technical and economic feasibility of an
integrated SAP plant in Kuantan, Malaysia.

“With these two new projects, we will accompany the rapid growth of the emerging markets in
South America and China,” said Gabriel Tanbourgi, president, Care Chemicals, BASF. “Local
production allows us to serve our customers more flexibly and reliably.”

“Both plants will be built with our latest state-of-the-art technology and have the
advantage that they are planned to be backwards integrated into acrylic acid,” said Teressa
Szelest, senior vice president, Global Business Unit Hygiene. “This allows the production of our
high-quality premium SAP in the emerging markets as well.”

October 18, 2011

Bluestar Silicones To Open Facility In York, S.C.

East Brunswick, N.J.-based Bluestar Silicones USA Corp. — a manufacturer of specialty silicone
products including coatings, elastomers, fluids, emulsions and resins for the textile coatings,
personal care, healthcare, paper and packaging, automotive, aerospace, tire and rubber, mold making
and energy industries, among others; and the North American division of France-based Bluestar
Silicones — will open a manufacturing and research and development facility in York, S.C., adding
60 jobs in the process. The company will relocate operations and equipment at its Ventura, Calif.,
and Rock Hill, S.C., facilities to a recently acquired 226,000-square-foot building in York, and
plans to purchase new pilot equipment.

Earlier this year, Bluestar Silicones had announced its intent to purchase a site in
Charlotte, but after exploring its options, the company decided the York property was better suited
to the company’s needs, offered significant space for long-term growth and could be easily
retrofitted.

“The property acquisition is an important step forward in the execution of our strategic plan
for North America,” said J. Christopher York, president, Bluestar Silicones USA. “This new site
offers us a sizable footprint to expand our manufacturing workshops, to increase our laboratory
capabilities and to improve product stewardship in existing specialty markets. It also allows us to
add new competencies to broaden our product portfolio for market penetration. It is an exciting
time for Bluestar Silicones and the customers we serve.”

The company will begin the consolidation in November and expects to have the York site fully
transitioned by mid-2012.

October 18, 2011

SYFA Announces Keynote Speakers For Fall Conference

The Clover, S.C.-based Synthetic Yarn and Fiber Association (SYFA) has announced the keynote
speakers for its 2011 Fall Conference, titled “Textiles Here and Now” and to be held November 16-17
at the Sheraton Airport Plaza hotel in Charlotte.

J. Keith Crisco, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Commerce and former president
and chairman of Asheboro Elastics Corp., will present a keynote address titled “Cooking with
Crisco: Spicing Up North Carolina’s Economic Development Efforts,” on Wednesday, November 16 from
12:40 p.m. to 1:20 p.m.

Dr. A. Blanton Godfrey, dean of North Carolina State University’s College of Textiles and
Joseph D. Moore Distinguished University Professor, will present a keynote address titled “Building
the New World of Textile Fibers, Fabrics and Products,” on Thursday, November 17 from 8:10 a.m. to
9:00 a.m.

October 18, 2011

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