ST. PAUL, Minn. — April 6, 2011 — Eight brand-leading companies across healthcare, recycling and
waste management industries have come together to form a technical coalition seeking to inspire and
enable sustainable, cost effective recycling solutions for plastic products and materials used in
the delivery of healthcare. The Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council (HPRC) is made up of members
from Becton, Dickinson and Company, Cardinal Health, Engineered Plastics, DuPont, Hospira, Johnson
& Johnson, Kimberly Clark and Waste Management.

Understanding that the potential for plastics recycling is significant to both reducing
environmental and human health impacts, HPRC exists in a collaborative effort to be a change agent
for sustainable healthcare product and packaging lifecycle with the end goal of increasing the
overall recycling of healthcare plastics. HPRC is unique in its focus on identification of plastics
recycling barriers and solution development along the entire value chain, seeking to affect
plastics recycling from healthcare product design and manufacturing through product use, disposal
and recycle.

HPRC is currently engaged in three initiatives aimed at enabling recycling of select
plastics. The first initiative, healthcare plastics value chain mapping, is focused on defining the
healthcare value chain and identifying issues and barriers along the value chain that disable
plastics recycling. The second initiative, design for recycling guidelines, is focused on
developing a document that articulates product and packaging design considerations that could
enhance recycling potential and value. The third initiative, pilot study programs within healthcare
facilities, is focused on building a datamodel to facilitate economic analysis of plastics
recycling. For more information visit
www.hprc.org.

Posted on April 6, 2011

Source: Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council

SPRESIANO, Italy — April 6, 2011 — HIP-MITSU will exhibit at forthcoming INDEX 2011, 12-15 April
2011, Palexpo, Geneve (Swiss), Hall 2 Stand 2154: that will be a great opportunity to know the new
generation of melters, dispensers and process controls by HIP-MITSU for DIAPERS, SANITARY NAPKINS
AND INCONTINENCE PRODUCT’S CONVERTERS.

HIP-MITSU success story into the hygienic, particularly for poly/nonwoven
lamination: more than 34 lines installed in the last 10 years into the hygienic, that
produce daily millions of TBS (textile back-sheet)’s sqm by means PE/nonwoven hot melt lamination,
than used from companies as yours to get billions of diapers and incontinence products.

Why diapers converters choose HIP-MITSU technologies: advantages since one year
the company entered into the diaper downstream process getting in a few months references
among  some of the main worldwide producers of diapers, incontinence products and draw-sheets.
All that has been possible thanks to HIP-MITSU hot melt technologies, that increase product quality
and reduce required adhesive amount.

In the last 10 years the company installed more than 34 lines for the hot melt lamination of
TBS (Textile Back-Sheet), actually working 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, in widths from 300 mm up to
3,5 meters and progress speeds up to 800 m/min. The company now counts references among the main
global players into hygiene film lamination, that actually produce daily with HIP-MITSU
technologies millions square meters of breathable PE film/nonwoven laminated products, later on
used to produce billions of diapers by global diaper converters all over the world. It’s possible
to set up a production line in 4 months, for very high and medium volume outputs.

HIP-MITSU – IT – Via Volta n. 1 – Spresiano (Tv)  Ph. + 39 0422 88 75 66  Fax. +39
0422 887337
www.hip-mitsu.com; e-mail:
info@hip-mitsu.com.

Posted on April 6, 2011

Source: HIP-MITSU

Dallas — April 6, 2011 — Celanese, a global leader in vinyl-based emulsion technology, will present
its comprehensive portfolio of products for chemically bonded nonwovens at Index, the world’s
leading nonwovens exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland, April 12-15. Company representatives will
discuss options in emulsion technology to help the nonwoven producer negotiate today’s demanding
manufacturing environment at stand #2351. 

Celanese’s waterborne emulsions act as the primary bonding agent and also offer functional
properties for airlaid, drylaid carded, wetlaid nonwovens and paper. “In today’s challenging
manufacturing environment with raw material price escalation and consumer demand for high
performance goods, nonwoven producers and their customers in the value chain are requesting
alternatives to traditional chemistries such as SBR and pure acrylics. With vinyl chemistries such
as vinyl acetate/ethylene (VAE), we can offer cost effective value and high performance to
chemically bonded nonwovens from disposables through durables,” said Peter Zeimentz, marketing
segment manager.

Celanese’s product line is anchored by the Dur-O-Set® Elite Ultra family of emulsions. The
flagship product, Elite Ultra, is known for its high wet strength and cost in use advantages and is
a leader in nonwoven wipes. Elite Ultra Soft offers significant absorption in addition to its soft
hand feel and high wet strength. Elite 20 and its complimentary Acrylate based alternative —
Vinacryl® 4333 — offer the right blend of strength and fluid management properties for use in
medical nonwovens.

Celanese looks to build upon its past with its developmental pipeline and the application
expertise that it offers its customers. Nonwoven producers and specifiers are encouraged to visit
Celanese Emulsion Polymers at stand #2351 or visit
www.Celanese-Emulsions.com.

Posted on April 6, 2011

Source: Celanese Emulsion Polymers

It’s the season for the publication of the annual results of many stock listed companies. Last
week, Switzerland-based OC Oerlikon Management AG, owner of Oerlikon Textile, presented its annual
figures. OC Oerlikon today has more than 16,600 employees and reported sales of 3.6 billion Swiss
francs in 2010. One can say that the results are positive and give hope for a prosperous future.
And the management of OC Oerlikon is confident of returning to profitability after two years full
of problems inside and outside the company. Four business units contributed to the positive
results: Oerlikon Textile, Vacuum, Coating, and Advanced Technologies.

OC Oerlikon reported a 51-percent increase in orders in 2010, to 4.5 billion Swiss francs,
including orders on hand totaling 1.7 billion Swiss francs, while the company’s book-to-bill ratio
grew from 1.0 to 1.3. Sales grew by 25 percent to 3.6 billion Swiss francs in 2010 compared with
2.9 billion Swiss francs the previous year. The increase was due mainly to Asian demand for
innovative products offered by the group. Foreign exchange effects resulted in a 6-percent sales
reduction totaling 220 million Swiss francs. The company reported flat sales in North America and a
minor increase in sales in Europe. Sales in Asia increased by 65 percent, with China and India
accounting for the largest part of the increase.

The group’s operating profit rose to 103 million Swiss francs in 2010, compared to a
year-earlier loss of 280 million Swiss francs. Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) rose to 51
million Swiss francs in 2010, compared to a year-earlier loss of 589 million Swiss francs. Foreign
exchange effects lowered EBIT by 27 percent or 14 million Swiss francs. Net profit totaled 5
million Swiss francs, compared to a 2009 net loss of 592 million Swiss francs.

OC Oerlikon reported a significant improvement in cash flow from operating activities in 2010
to 511 million Swiss francs, compared to the previous year’s cash flow of 90 million Swiss francs.
Cash flow from operating activities before adjustments in net current assets totaled 354 million
Swiss francs, compared to a net loss of 92 million Swiss francs the previous year. The company
reduced its net debt to 274 million Swiss francs from 1,646 million Swiss francs in 2009.

Recapitalization

Readers of the Rupp Report know about the Oerlikon Group’s financial and legal problems over
the past two to three years. Over and over again, the company was mentioned not only in the textile
press, but even more in the financial papers. Those times seem to be over. The group said that it
“regained a solid financial base through the recapitalization that was part of the financing
agreement concluded in 2010 between lenders, the Renova Group and Oerlikon.”

During the past year, the group’s top management and major shareholders were fighting for a
solution to get out of the critical financial situation. The final agreement included a
considerable 95-percent capital reduction followed by a 1,124 million Swiss franc capital increase,
as well as the sale of Oerlikon treasury shares to the lenders, a 125 million Swiss franc waiver of
debt and new credit facilities.

Oerlikon Textile

Oerlikon Textile recorded a profit in 2010 with EBIT totaling 21 million Swiss francs
compared to a 2009 loss of 424 million Swiss francs. Incoming orders totaled 2,509 million Swiss
francs, a gain of 114 percent over 2009, with orders on hand totaling 1,197 million Swiss francs,
compared to 2009 orders on hand of 489 million Swiss francs. The business segment’s sales soared 58
percent to 1,653 million Swiss francs, reflecting strong growth in Asia, mainly from China.
Oerlikon Barmag showed very strong results, and even has some orders first due for delivery in
2013. Oerlikon Schlafhorst and Oerlikon Neumag also gained market share. Because of the
“outstanding demand” for its products in 2010, Oerlikon Textile expects incoming orders will be
lower in 2011. All the same, its forecasts call for further sales growth and an increased
profitability. An executive interview with Thomas Babacan, COO of OC Oerlikon and CEO of Oerlikon
Textile, will follow in an upcoming issue of

Textile World
.

Outlook 2011

For the current year, following the peak in demand and order intake in the wake of the recent
economic crisis, OC Oerlikon expects incoming orders to slow slightly and mentions that Oerlikon
Textile and Coating expect healthy markets in the coming hear. The group is projecting 2011 sales
growth of up to 10 percent and further growth in profitability, based on stable foreign exchange
rates. The performance in the first two months of 2011 is reported to be strong, supporting the
optimistic outlook for the entire year.

Dr. Michael Buscher, CEO of the Oerlikon Group, said: “The consistent implementation of our
operational and strategic measures is paying off. Our profitability is increasing faster than
planned and we are well on our way to a sustainable comeback.” Let’s hope he’s right.



April 5, 2011

Charlotte-based nonwovens producer Polymer Group Inc. (PGI) reports it will invest in new
operations in China and South America.

Plans include the addition of a state-of-the-art, custom spunmelt machine and pilot line at
its Suzhou, China, facility; a greenfield installation in Southern China with multi-line expansion
capability; a greenfield facility in Central Brazil; and the addition of a third spunmelt line at
its facility in Cali, Colombia.

The addition in Suzhou is expected to be operational mid-2012, and the Southern China
development will be installed by late 2012. Site selection is currently underway in Central Brazil,
with the new facility there expected to be ready by early 2013.

Materials produced at the facilities will be used in such applications as baby diapers, adult
incontinence products, and medical gowns and drapes.

“PGI has a proven competency expanding in the developing markets, as demonstrated by is
successful establishment of new manufacturing facilities in Suzhou, China, and Cali, Colombia, in
recent years,” said Veronica “Ronee” Hagen, CEO, PGI. “We are excited about the prospect of
building our presence in the Brazilian market and Southern China to position ourselves to
capitalize on local opportunities in these regions. This expansion in product capability and
capacity is part of PGI’s ongoing strategy to provide superior solutions to the marketplace and
meet our customers’ needs for higher-performing products that offer an optimum combination of
barrier and comfort with improved performance attributes.”

April 5, 2011

Switzerland-based Rieter Group has signed a contract to sell all of its shares in India-based
Rieter-LMW Machinery Ltd. (RLM) to India-based Lakshmi Machine Works Ltd. (LMW), its partner in a
joint venture (JV) established in 1994. The transaction is expected to close in August 2011, and JV
production for Rieter will continue until June 30, 2011.

According to Rieter, market conditions in India have changed, and both companies going
forward will focus on their individual strengths. RLM currently employs 450 workers, whose jobs are
expected to be retained after completion of the sale.

Rieter will continue to operate in India and plans to ask RLM suppliers to join its global
sourcing network. The company has established a new plant in Wing to manufacture ring-spinning
frames for its Indian customers, and also manufactures machinery in a plant in Koregaon. Rieter has
approximately 975 employees altogether at both manufacturing sites plus more than 100 sales, sales
support and service staff throughout India.



April 5, 2011

Denmark-based Novozymes A/S, a manufacturer of industrial enzymes and biotechnological solutions,
reports that a life cycle assessment (LCA) conducted recently by the company shows that the use of
enzymes in textile processing can reduce water and energy consumption, carbon dioxide (CO2)
emissions and processing time.

According to the company, possible savings per ton of knitted fabric include up to 70,000
liters of water and 1 ton of CO2, in addition to a 20- to 25-percent reduction in processing time.
Hong Kong-based textile and apparel manufacturer Esquel Group has conducted several trials in which
Novozymes solutions were applied at different production stages and reported that the use of
Novozymes enzymatic solution in place of conventional technology enabled it to save 30 cubic meters
of water per ton of knitted fabric just in the bleaching process.

“Novozymes’ solutions can contribute to decreasing dependence in the textile industry on
chemicals, lower consumption of energy and water, and bring down costs — all while maintaining
superior product quality,” said Sebastian Søderberg, Novozymes’ business development &
marketing director — Textile & Leather.

The company notes that with the use of enzymes, water consumption is reduced because
processes can be combined, effluent toxicity is reduced, and fewer rinses are required after one
process than when traditional chemicals are used. In addition, the enzymes degrade quickly into
harmless compounds; and because they are catalytic, smaller amounts are required for textile
processing compared to conventional chemical requirements. A further benefit is reduced costs for
treatment of water and effluent.

April 5, 2011

Researchers at RMIT University, Australia, have been developing materials containing a blend of
wool and Kevlar® for ballistic applications such as bullet-resistant vests that are expected to
cost less, be lighter-weight and have greater efficacy than traditional Kevlar vests.

RMIT School of Fashion and Textiles professors Dr. Rajiv Padhye and Dr. Lyndon Arnold report
that a vest made with the blended material has greater efficacy when wet than a 100-percent Kevlar
vest, which loses approximately 20 percent of its efficacy when wet and therefore must be treated
with an expensive waterproofing agent. They also found that only 28 to 30 layers of the blended
material are needed to provide the level of protection offered by 36 layers of 100-percent Kevlar
material.

“And because wool fibres expand naturally in water by up to 16 percent, the wool-Kevlar blend
actually becomes more effective in wet conditions,” Padhye said. “The result is a cheaper
bullet-resistant vest that works even better when it’s wet.”

Arnold noted that when wool is added to Kevlar, the friction is increased and the yarns hold
together more closely, so that fewer layers are needed to dissipate a bullet’s kinetic energy.
“With Kevlar averaging around $70 per kilogram, compared to about $12 for wool, reducing the amount
[of Kevlar] required to make a vest is a real incentive for manufacturers,” he added.

A blend comprising 20- to 25-percent wool and 75- to 80-percent Kevlar provides the optimal
performance, according to research findings.

The project has received funding from Australian Wool Innovation and material support,
including ballistics testing, from Australian Defence Apparel. Padhye and Arnold now are
collaborating with ballistics vest manufacturers in hopes of commercializing the wool/Kevlar
material.

April 5, 2011

The Consumer Division of Sawgrass Technologies Inc. — a Charleston, S.C.-based developer of digital
printing technologies — had added three SubliJet IQ® sublimation ink colors formulated for use with
the Epson® Stylus Pro 4880 Inkjet printer.

Fluorescent Pink, Fluorescent Yellow and Blacklight Blue may be used as individual spot
colors or combined with CMYK, and are suitable for creating high-visibility safety apparel and
signage or for fashionable, psychedelic and retro looks. Sawgrass reports that images printed using
the Fluorescent Pink and Fluorescent Yellow colors are especially vivid in natural and black light.

Blacklight Blue is invisible in natural light and can only be seen when exposed to black
light. It is comparable to ink used on driver’s licenses or nightclub hand-stamps and is suitable
for identification, anti-piracy and novelty applications.

The Epson Stylus Pro 4880 Inkjet printer employs raster image processor software, features an
eight-cartridge configuration and has a 17-by-22-inch printing field. The sublimation printing
solution is supported by Sawgrass’s PartnersPlus program, which offers online product support,
technical phone support and a full product warranty.

April 5, 2011

AUSTRALIA — April 4, 2011 — Australian wool production is slowly rising, arresting a 20-year trend
of decline. Good seasonal conditions across eastern Australia, higher wool prices and a lift in the
retention of ewes and lambs has led the Australian Wool Production Forecasting Committee to
slightly lift its forecast for shorn wool production in 2010/11 to 340 million kilograms, up from
its forecast 335 mkg made in December 2010. “The small increase is due to a slight increase in
sheep shorn and average fleece weights,” Committee Chairman Russell Pattinson said.

In releasing its forecast today, the Committee noted that the increase in sheep shorn was, in
part, due to some early shearing due to seasonal conditions and in response to the strength of the
wool market.

The Committee has also noted a change in the diameter profile of the national clip with
reduced volumes of fine Merino wool being produced and an increased production of strong Merino and
cross-bred wool types, as was forecast in December.

The Committee has also released its first forecast for the 2011/12 season. The committee
expects shorn wool production to rise by 1% in 2011/12 to 345 mkg, due to a slight increase in
sheep numbers (68.3 million, an increase of 0.9% from the 2009/10 level of 67.7 million) and sheep
shorn. The increase in sheep numbers is in line with ABARES and Meat and Livestock Australia
forecasts.

Strong grower sentiment has been reported toward the retention of stock, especially Merinos.
This has been directly reflected in the significant decrease in the sheep turnoff, reported by the
Australian Bureau of Statistics together with data from MLA’s National Livestock Reporting Service
data. While the increase in sheep numbers and wool production may only be small, it certainly
suggests that the long run-down experienced since the early ’90s may be ending.

However, Western Australia is the exception.

“While the outlook for south-eastern Australia wool production in the coming year will
benefit from the excellent foundation laid by above average 2010/11 rainfall, the committee is
concerned with the poor seasonal conditions in Western Australia and will closely monitor this in
coming months,” Mr Pattinson added.

Posted on April 5, 2011

Source: Australian Wool Innovation Ltd.