HEERLEN, The Netherlands — May 12, 2011 — The Techtextil international trade fair for technical
textiles and nonwovens will be held in Frankfurt, Germany, from May 24-26 2011. Visitors to the DSM
Dyneema booth (Hall 4.1 stand C71) will learn how exploiting the special properties of Dyneema®
fiber, the Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber from DSM, is resulting in
innovation for a wide range of high performance materials.

Key applications in the textile industry include:

Draggin Jeans uses Dyneema® fibers in its mix to make an innovative material blend for jeans
that are as tough as leather, and able to withstand rider/ground abrasion during a motorbike fall.
Carrying the independently awarded “red dot” seal of quality, this is the only jeans design of its
type to receive the CE mark (Conformité Européenne or European Conformity).

Amann Goup offers a range of performance threads for automotive and technical textiles. The
company’s Xtreme-tech sewing thread made with Dyneema® fiber combines maximum strength with minimum
weight. Xtreme-tech is ideal for all applications with extremely high safety requirements — such as
sailing, haulage ropes, paragliders, fishing nets, aerospace, load restraint/lifting systems and
protective clothing. It is also suitable for sports gear such as climbing equipment, ropes, and
harnesses.

Sustainability

Dyneema® fibers also make a difference in other industry sectors, both in terms of
performance and in terms of sustainability. A clear example is the ultra-strong air container panel
that is helping individual airlines to cut carbon emissions. Made from composites of Dyneema® and
DSM’s Aeronite resin, these RP10 container panels reduce the carbon footprint by an estimated
28,000 tons annually — the equivalent of taking more than 8,500 cars off the road. Manufactured by
DoKasch GmbH, they are designed to provide maximum strength at minimum weight. In fact, they are
three times more impact resistant and nearly 50% lighter than standard aluminium alternatives.

UHMWPE fiber from DSM Dyneema is now widely employed in heavy duty lifting and towing ropes
wherever they are required, due to its ideal combination of high strength, light weight and
excellent durability. In this context it is now a vital component in SkySails towing kite
technology. As the world’s most powerful and effective wind propulsion system for cargo ships, a
320 m2 SkySails system can produce a tractive force in the towing rope of more than 320 kilonewton
(kN) — a force greater than the thrust of both engines on an Airbus A321.

In a seaborne application, a study recently completed among the commercial fishing community
has yielded clear proof that nets made with Dyneema® yield major cost savings for fishermen. It
enables fishermen the use of thinner twines and ropes that are less bulky than more traditional
materials, without sacrificing performance. The lower weight and smaller diameter of the equipment
result in lower drag in the water, enabling fishermen to make significant fuel savings.

“Sustainability is a key driver for our innovation efforts” says Yvonne Engelen, VP
Innovation at DSM Dyneema. “We are continually asking ourselves how we can ‘brighten’ the life of
our clients and their customers, while reducing our environmental impact and contributing to
sustainable business and manufacturing processes.”

In fact, for DSM Dyneema innovation is one of the strategic drivers, and ‘open innovation’ is
an integral part of that. For DSM innovation involves continually questioning and probing accepted
methods and assumptions and has been part of the fabric of the company from the beginning,
resulting in many breakthrough developments.

“With more than 1,000 customers developing new uses for UHMWPE fiber from DSM Dyneema every
day, there’s a good chance we can connect you with a local supplier for many common applications,”
says Yvonne Engelen. “Please visit us at Techtextil to discuss how our Open Innovation and
commitment to sustainability can help your products and processes.”

Posted on May 19, 2011

Source: DSM Dyneema

LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany — May 18, 2011 — From May 24 to May 26, BASF will present new products and
customer-orientated applications at Techtextil 2011 in Frankfurt, the leading international trade
fair for technical textiles and nonwovens. At the booth B79 in hall 3.0 visitors will find
information on BASF’s comprehensive service and product range in the field of textile chemicals,
binding agents and plastic additives.



Textile Chemicals — Putting *FUTURE into Textiles

BASF offers innovative and sustainable solutions and products in all process stages across
the entire textile value chain. At Techtextil 2011, BASF will be showcasing a range of textile
solutions for wovens and knit goods under the theme “Putting *FUTURE into Textiles”. These
solutions are part of BASF’s commitment to shaping the future of the textile industry together with
customers, contributing to better textiles and development of the industry through improved
consumer protection, efficient use of resources and reduced carbon emissions.

For resource saving and climate protection, there is Cyclanon® XC-W NEW, an after-soaping
agent for reactive-dyed cellulose fibers which considerably shortens the processing time in
comparison with the conventional process, saving both water and energy. The intelligent coloration
system “BASF Color Fast Finish”, a one-step process combining pigment dyeing and finishing, visibly
reduces the total processing time compared to the conventional process, cutting down energy and
water use and thereby carbon dioxide emissions. BASF also offers under the brands Lurapret® and
Texapret®, high-quality coating products that are water-based and therefore environmentally
friendly for technical textile applications.

Other solutions which will be featured include the formaldehyde-free textile processing
system which ensures higher standards of consumer safety. Garments produced using BASF’s products
and solutions are safe and reliable, and fulfill standards including Oeko-Tex® Standard 100, The
European Union Eco-Label, as well as those of leading retailers and brands.

Dispersions for fiber bonding — innovations for nonwovens

Binding agents for fibrous materials in the form of dispersions and reactive resins have
become part of our daily life. When used in nonwovens, they make roofing membranes tear-proof and
ensure that PVC floors keep their shape. Thanks to such dispersions, waterproof cellulose
substrates can be turned into highly efficient decorative paper,filters or nonwoven wallpaper.
Natural fibers are used to produce lightweight construction materials or floor coverings.

At this year’s Techtextil, one focus in the field of dispersions for fiber bonding will be on
the ecologically compatible reactive resins of the Acrodur® brand. The water-based crosslinking
system offers an environmentally friendly alternative to solvent-based or formaldehyde containing
resins and consequently guarantees safe and simple handling. Acrodur® is, for example, used as a
binding agent for nonwovens made of polyester and glass fibers in construction applications such as
PVC floors and insulating mats. Additionally, it is particularly suited to process natural fibers.
Natural fibers are both light and stable at the same time, enabling automobile manufacturers to use
them in molded parts made for door linings, shelves or car ceilings. Other industries, such as
transportation and furniture for example, are also showing increasing interest in natural fibers
and their various fields of applications.

Additives and pigment competence for technical textiles

As a key supplier of pigments and additives BASF also offers the fiber-producing industry a
range of products: organic and inorganic pigments, light and thermal stabilizers, antioxidants as
well as selected polymer soluble dyestuffs.

For demanding fiber applications such as Buildtech, Geotech and Hometech, BASF provides a
broad range of high performance pigments and preparations as well as a comprehensive portfolio of
heat and lights tabilizers such as Uvinul®, Chimassorb® and Tinuvin®. The halogen-free flame
retardant Flamestab® NOR™ 116 combines flame retardancy and light stability in one molecule.

At this year’s Techtextil in Frankfurt, BASF presents the innovative technology Irgatec® CR
76 for nonwoven production. This technology enables converters to adapt material properties to the
specific requirements, for example to make use of more cost efficient raw materials or to convert
in-house nonwoven scrap to high-quality nonwoven.

Posted on May 19, 2011

Source: BASF

Barcelona! What a sound. Even the late Freddie Mercury and Spanish opera star Montserrat Caballé
sang a song together about the Catalan capital city. And Barcelona is not only in the focus because
it is the home of the best soccer club in the world — arguing with Real Madrid fans will be refused
— but also because important textile activities soon will take place in the city.

ITMF

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) is one of the oldest
non-governmental organizations. It was founded in 1904 in Zurich, Switzerland, at a meeting
convened on the initiative of the British cotton spinning industry. That’s why it still has not
only a very close relationship with the entire cotton industry, but also strong ties with the whole
textile industry. ITMF is considered by many to be the most important and highest-ranking textile
association worldwide. Members are associations and other constituted organizations of textile
manufacturers. There can be only one member association from each country.

New Ways

On the one hand, textile industry professionals are invited to attend ITMA 2011, the world’s
largest textile and garment technology showcase and business platform. The exhibition will take
place September 22-29 at Fira de Barcelona Gran Vía in Barcelona. But the textile community also
will have the opportunity to attend some other events that never have taken place before in the
planned context.

For the first time in its history, the ITMF 2011 Annual Conference will be held prior to ITMA
2011. Bashir H. Ali Mohammad, ITMF president, and Dr. Christian Schindler, director general, will
host this important event September 19-21.

New Paradigms

“Coincidence or not,” Schindler said, “the first ITMF conference in Barcelona took place
exactly 100 years ago. And over the last 100 years, we have come back to Barcelona four times up to
now.” The motto of the conference this year is “New Paradigms in the Global Textile Industry.” A
paradigm could be described as a standard model of something, for example, like the textile
industry. And this industry is still in a big transition in terms of raw material, production and
value chains. Speakers from around the world will report on the current situation and developments
in the fiber, retail and technical textiles sectors.

To mention just a few issues, there are soaring raw material prices, volatile markets,
currency disputes and political instability as well as the continuation of the Doha Round of trade
liberalization negotiations. Schindler says that “these are but a few of the many challenges that
affect the recovery of the global economy in general and the global textile industry in
particular.”

New Events

All delegates and participants of the ITMF conference will have free access to the World
Textile Summit, a one-day event organized jointly by ITMF and ITMA owner the European Association
of Textile Machinery Manufacturers (CEMATEX), and taking place September 21, the day before the
opening of ITMA 2011. This cooperative summit is another new direction in the history of ITMF. The
event will feature international speakers who will give their views and visions of such key topics
as sustainability, enterprise, trade and economics.

The World Textile Summit will bring together textile industry leaders and will offer
attendees the possibility of discussing pertinent issues with the speakers. One of the keynote
speakers will be former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan.

And there is another day to celebrate, not only the 100th anniversary of ITMF’s first
conference in Barcelona, but also the 60th anniversary of  ITMA, which started its activities
1951. But that’s another story.More information on the ITMF event is available at
www.itmf.org.

May 17, 2011

Germany-based Oerlikon Textile GmbH & Co. KG — a division of Switzerland-based OC Oerlikon
Corp. AG — and The Fiber Year Consulting have published The Fiber Year 2011 report providing a
comprehensive survey of the global textile and nonwoven industries.

According to the report, the global textile industry in 2010 saw the strongest growth in 25
years. Annual fiber growth averaged 3.4 percent in the last decade, with manufacturing volumes of
natural and man-made fibers rising by 8.6 percent, or 6.4 million metric tons, to 80.8 million
metric tons. Natural fibers increased only 2.2 percent, while manufactured cellulosic and all major
man-made fibers excluding acrylics increased at double-digit rates. Polyester industrial filament
yarn soared 37 percent, and viscose fibers saw record-breaking 17-percent growth.

The price of cotton reached an all-time high of 186 cents per pound on December 21 — more
than double the cost in August — which has brought on generally surging raw material fiber prices,
and has somewhat encouraged the usage of competitive fibers at comparatively lower costs. Cotton
stocks are projected to stay below the long-term average. Although a large crop is expected for the
next season, future expansion will be constricted as arable land and water are dedicated to food
production — a situation that will favor increased polyester and viscose production. Although
comparatively small in terms of volume, carbon fiber production also is projected to drive growth,
continuing to expand at double-digit rates in upcoming years, with aircraft and automotive industry
developments stimulating demand.

The report states that the global economic recovery led to the rapid rise in demand in 2010.
Increasing incomes, reduced unemployment and growing consumer confidence led to increased spending
on apparel and growing demand for technical textiles. The carpet sector continued its decline as a
result of the financial crisis, but it is now beginning to recover.

Rising inflation rates in emerging countries resulting from increasing food prices and energy
costs affected last year’s performance, but they also have brought on surging new machinery
investments, especially for cotton and man-made fiber spinning and processing machinery. Because
the global textile machinery manufacturing industry was unprepared for the sudden rise in new
orders, delivery delays are above average. As the report notes, an outstanding order backlog may
appear positive, but it may also redirect demand for capital goods. There has been an increase in
second-hand machine trading, which is especially prevalent in Asia.

The report notes that the surge in investments is a sign that markets are confident about
business. This attitude, in combination with the anticipated economic growth, indicates that the
increase in textile consumption should continue in 2011.

May 17, 2011

Spartanburg-based specialty chemicals, floor covering and performance materials manufacturer
Milliken & Company has rededicated its Blacksburg, S.C.-based Cypress Plant in honor of Dr. G.
Ashley Allen, who retired from his position as president and CEO of the company in 2008. The
facility, Allen Plant, is the company’s primary chemical manufacturing plant.

A new sign to be placed at the plant’s entrance was unveiled during a special ceremony at
newly named Allen Plant.

“This rededication of the plant honors Ashley Allen’s remarkable forty-one year career with
the company and his successful championing of innovation,” said Milliken President & CEO Dr.
Joe Salley. “During his ten years of leadership of the Chemical Division, the company achieved a
global leadership position in its additives and colorant businesses.”

Acknowledging the renaming of the plant as “an extraordinary honor for me,” Allen said: “No
action by the Board could have meant more to me than their naming the Allen Plant in my honor. I am
very pleased and humbled by their decision.”

Allen, who earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Washington & Lee University and a
doctorate in organic chemistry at Cornell University, joined Milliken in 1969, serving first as a
research chemist and eventually becoming president of the Chemical and Packaging Division. His
responsibilities later grew to include the Industrial Specialties Division and Milliken Research.
He was named president and COO in 2002 and president and CEO in January 2006, and served for six
years on Milliken’s Board of Directors. Allen was the first person outside of the Milliken family
to serve as the company’s CEO.

Janesville Acoustics — a Southfield, Mich.-based producer of acoustical and thermal fiber
insulation, decorative trim and molded fiber products for automotive applications — will invest
$1.5 million to expand its manufacturing facility in Old Fort, N.C., adding 40 jobs to its current
workforce of 111. The company plans to add 7,200 square feet of manufacturing space, and has
received a $120,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund to help finance the expansion.

“With the new expansion and additional equipment we will be able to create greater
operational efficiencies and reduce our costs, enabling us to better serve our customers as we grow
our business and create new opportunity for employees,” said Roy Heeralall, plant manager,
Janesville Acoustics.

The company recently expanded its manufacturing capabilities to include complete molded
carpet/floor and trunk systems. In addition to its U.S. operations — including manufacturing
facilities in Michigan, Ohio and Mississippi as well as the Old Fort facility — it has
office/manufacturing facilities in Mexico and Germany; and a sales office in Paris. 

May 17, 2011

U.S. Senators Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.; Orrin Hatch, R-Utah; Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa; and seven
co-sponsors have introduced the Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of
Intellectual Property Act of 2011 (PROTECT IP Act) targeting the illegal online sale of counterfeit
goods.

The act, which comes in the wake of bipartisan legislation that was introduced in 2010 and
was supported unanimously by Senate Judiciary Committee members, provides a narrower definition of
a so-called rogue website that sells copyright-infringing or counterfeit products including
consumer goods, pharmaceuticals and new movie and music releases. It also sets down tools and
authorizations to facilitate enforcement of the act’s provisions. It is estimated that the sale of
infringing and counterfeit goods has resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs as
well as billions of dollars in sales and tax revenues.

“This legislation will protect the investment American companies make in developing brands
and creating content and will protect the jobs associated with those investments,” said Leahy, who
is chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “It will also protect American consumers, who should
feel confident that the goods they purchase are of the type and quality they expect. The PROTECT IP
Act targets the most egregious actors, and is an important first step to putting a stop to online
piracy and sale of counterfeit goods.”

The original legislation introduced last year garnered the support of numerous interested
organizations including labor unions, media organizations, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and
others. The American Apparel & Footwear Association, (AAFA), Arlington, Va., has expressed
strong support for the newest legislation; and together with the Boulder, Colo.-based Outdoor
Industry Association and the Washington-based  International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition has
sent a letter to the House Judiciary Committee recommending further measures that would strengthen
the legislation.

“Footwear, apparel, and fashion accessories are some of the most counterfeited goods in the
world. As U.S. consumers continue to embrace e-commerce as a key shopping method, rogue Web sites
have emerged as a popular way for counterfeiters to get fake goods into the United States,” said
Kevin M. Burke, president and CEO, AAFA.

“This bill sets us in the right direction to providing us with a full arsenal of tools that
will be helpful in fighting these rogue Web sites,” Burke continued. “We look forward to working
with Senator Leahy and his Senate colleagues, along with their House counterparts, to ensure that
the final legislation is as strong as possible to bring about meaningful intellectual property
protections for the U.S. apparel and footwear industry.” 

May 17, 2011

Tukatech Inc. — a Los Angeles-based provider of product development solutions for the apparel and
sewn goods industry — has introduced Styku™, a true-to-life online fitting room that enables
consumers to virtually try on a garment via an avatar. According to the company, the technology
will increase retailers’ online sales, reduce returns and remove customers’ hesitancy to purchase
apparel online.

When viewing garments on a retailer’s website, consumers click “try it on” to launch the 3D
application. The user is then prompted to create an avatar or to sign in to access an avatar
previously created from user-provided measurements. Users may view garments on their avatars, post
images on Facebook to get feedback, view multiple sizes simultaneously, and view a color map to
detect differences among sizes across brands. Tukatech is working with body scanning companies to
facilitate avatar creation.

As a hosted, service-based technology, Styku can be customized and scaled as needed, and its
use is free of charge to consumers. Retailers do not need to invest in hardware, software or
infrastructure, and payment is required only when sales increase and returns are reduced. Exclusive
Tukatech clients will receive a private beta version of Styku in fall 2011; and the company will
officially launch the technology in early 2012.

May 17, 2011

The Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT) reports a delegation from
Uzbekistan comprising government authorities and textile manufacturers recently visited its
headquarters in Milan. During the visit, ACIMIT and the Uzbek Textile Association signed a
memorandum of understanding (MoU) under which ACIMIT will provide Uzbek textile manufacturers with
textile technology; and members of the organizations also signed a number of sales agreements.

ACIMIT reports that in 2010, Italian textile machinery manufacturers exported machinery worth
2.4 million euros to Uzbekistan. Knitting machinery accounted for 66 percent of exports; other
machinery, 17 percent; spinning machinery, 9 percent; and accessories, 8 percent.

“Uzbekistan has a centuries-old tradition in the processing of raw materials, and it is the
world’s sixth largest producer of cotton,” said Sandro Salmoiraghi, president, ACIMIT. “The country
is currently undergoing a strong phase of industrialization, and in recent years its textile
industry has begun a profound restructuring process for the transformation of raw materials
domestically. Many current projects regard the building of industrial complexes requiring
technologically advanced machinery.” 

May 17, 2011

Dayton, Tenn.-based TenCate Grass Americas — a manufacturer of synthetic turf system products, and
a division of the Netherlands-based Royal Ten Cate — reports the first synthetic turf field
featuring TenCate Monoslide Ultra™ with XQ™ technology turf blades is to be installed at the
Christian Unified School District in San Diego. Hellas Construction Inc. — an Austin, Texas-based
sports turf supplier and constructor of sports facilities — is installing the field.

TenCate Monoslide Ultra monofilament turf blades feature a 3D ribbed crescent shape that
bolsters turf resilience. The ribs are positioned in such a way as to avoid thin spots in the
fiber, making the blades more durable and split-resistant than conventional turf fibers. Concave
surfaces between the ribs deflect light in multiple directions, which reduces glare and offers a
more natural look. TenCate reports the proprietary XQ technology provides strength to withstand
significant material stresses found in structurally shaped turf blades.

According to TenCate, Hellas selected the technology for its Insurrection™ turf system
because of its durability and natural appearance. The San Diego installation is expected to be
completed at the end of this month, and several other installations will follow, TenCate reports.

May 17, 2011