Cotton Incorporated, Cary, N.C., and DuPont Industrial Biosciences — a business unit of Wilmington,
Del.-based DuPont — recently reported the results of a joint trial in which they evaluated the
effectiveness of biobased enzymes in preparing cotton knit textiles, compared to the effectiveness
of traditional processing chemicals. The trials showed that a combination of biobased enzymes can
replace caustic chemicals in cotton textile processing, while at the same time reducing water and
energy consumption and processing time.

On average, reductions included 70 percent of water, 33 percent of steam, and 27 percent of
energy across all shade ranges. Cost reductions using the bio-optimized process averaged 66
percent. Time savings ranged from 23 percent for dark shades to 30 percent for light shades.

Used in combination, bio-enzymes for scouring, bleaching and dyeing reduce water usage
because the same water bath can be used for more than one process, said trial supervisor Mary
Ankeny, director of dyeing research, Cotton Incorporated. Energy reductions stem from the fact that
textiles can be prepared at significantly reduced temperatures when bio-enzymes are used in an
optimized process compared to using traditional chemicals in traditional processes.

July/August 2012

Germany-based dyeing and finishing machinery manufacturer A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH &
Co. KG reports success of its recently introduced Matex Eco Applicator — a soft coating solution
that offers substantial energy savings by reducing drying times, and can eliminate the need to use
a conventional wet-on-wet padder, according to the company.

The process, which uses trough and roller techniques, applies only the necessary amount of
liquid/coating to the fabric via contact with the roller, Monforts reports. Options include
application of liquid/coating to one or both sides of the fabric, or application of different
liquids/coatings on each side — for example, a soil- or water-repellent finish on one side of the
fabric and a softener on the other side. The process uses a twin roller for double-sided
applications.

Monforts reports that compared with a padder operation, the Matex Eco Applicator process
reduces initial moisture content from 60 percent to 40 percent, thereby reducing drying times and
energy costs.

The device can apply finishes including nano coatings, water repellents, softeners, flame
retardants and insect repellents; and is suitable for applications including felt finishes, coated
materials and medical textiles.

July 24, 2012

Tavex Corp., Spain, recently installed a Montex 6500 tenter from A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH
& Co. KG, Germany, at its facility in Tlaxcala, Mexico, to increase production capacity for
stretch denim. Sattex, Monforts’ distributor in Mexico, delivered and installed the tenter.

Adalberto Avendano, manager for dyeing and finishing at the Tlaxcala plant, said the Montex
6500 has features that make it particularly suitable for denim production and that eliminate
several traditional processing steps. The installed tenter has eight chambers and handles fabric
weights from 290 to 460 grams per square meter and widths from 170 to 180 centimeters.

July/August 2012