Portland, Ore.- and Vancouver, Canada-based Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc.’s (NAT’s) CRAiLAR®
Organic Fibers has received Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Textile Auxiliary Agents
certification, designating that it is processed using only GOTS-approved chemical inputs. Crailar
was evaluated and approved for the certification by OneCert Inc., a Lincoln, Neb.-based certifier
of products to six international organic standards. 

Crailar technology, developed by NAT in collaboration with the National Research Council of
Canada, involves the processing of bast fibers such as hemp and flax using a proprietary enzyme
wash to give them an organic cotton-like texture while allowing them to retain their durability and
strength. In its efforts to commercialize Crailar Organic Fibers, NAT has successfully conducted
processing trials at Philadelphia-based G.J Littlewood & Son and spinning trials at Kings
Mountain, N.C.-based Patrick Yarns; and is collaborating with Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Hanesbrands
Inc. to develop apparel products containing Crailar/cotton blends.

GOTS were developed to provide uniform standards within the global textile industry.
Collaborators include the Organic Trade Association, Greenfield, Mass.; Soil Association, United
Kingdom; International Association Natural Textile Industry, Germany; and Japan Organic Cotton
Association.

“Naturally Advanced Technologies is committed to maintaining the highest standards of
environmental responsibility in the textile market,” said Ken Barker, CEO, NAT. “Obtaining the most
stringent and well-respected certification with the GOTS Chemical Input standards validates our
process and work to date. Crailar has always been eco sound; now we have certification confirming
it.”

August 3, 2010

BOZEMAN, MT — July 28, 2010 — Massif, the world’s leading supplier of flame resistant, high
performance apparel to the military, law enforcement and other high risk professions has chosen
TEXbase to streamline their material development, color approval and compliance processes.

 “TEXbase offers a unique value proposition that simplifies our workflow and inherently
provides the supply chain collaboration that empowers our team to innovate while maintaining the
utmost in product quality” says Jeff Bowman, Chief Operating Officer at Massif.

 

“When people, process and technology all converge in a winning formula, it  results in
a partnership that simply feels natural and we are extremely proud  to partner with Jeff and
the Massif team.  The opportunity to provide our  Materials, Color, Quality and Connect
solutions that collectively enable  Massif to more efficiently deliver product to people with
the world’s most  dangerous jobs is an honor” states Eric Rathbun, TEXbase Vice President
of  Global Customer Solutions.  

 


About TEXbase:

TEXbase is the preeminent Software as a Service provider of collaborative Material Lifecycle
Management software. From concept to compliance TEXbase solutions allow businesses to reduce
operating expenses and increase revenues by accelerating innovation, shortening lifecycles and
ensuring product compliance.

TEXbase, Inc. is located in the Advanced Technology Park in Bozeman, MT at 895 Technology
Blvd., Suite 202, 59718 and can be contacted at: +1 406.582.8874 –
MoreInfo@TEXbase.com –
www.TEXbase.com

About Massif:

Massif Mountain Gear Company is a world leader in supplying flame-resistant, high performance
outdoor apparel to the military, law enforcement, search and rescue professionals, and the wildland
firefighting community. Over the past decade, Massif has revolutionized the look and feel of
flame-resistant clothing with innovative fabrics and forward-thinking designs, offering a new
generation of high-end gear that provides protection without sacrificing comfort or
performance.  

Massif works closely with the Army, Air Force, Marines, and Cost Guard to develop new fabrics
and garments and has provided hundreds of thousands of aviators, ground troops, special operations
forces, and other military personnel with the world’s most advanced hot and cold weather
flame-resistant clothing. Massif gear also protects at-risk professionals in law enforcement and
wildland firefighting.

Posted on August 3, 2010

Press Release Courtesy of TEXbase Inc.

Boulder, CO – July 27, 2010 — Outlast Technologies, the leader in temperature regulating
technology, announces Design Weave, an Outlast® licensee, is launching Outlast® sheet sets for the
first time in Sleepy’s. The sheet sets will be sold under the Expressions® trademark brand with the
sub-brand name of Serenity.

Sleepy’s, the largest mattress retailer in the world with over 700 stores in the U.S., is a
mattress and specialty bedding retail leader. Sleepy’s is the first retailer to place a 350 thread
count Damask sheet set blended with Outlast® technology. Judy Vella, VP of product development and
branding for Design Weave, says, “We are pleased to be partnering with Outlast on such a great
product-we love the technology and believe the sheets will be popular among Sleepy’s consumers.”

When coupled with Outlast® core bedding products (mattresses, mattress pads, blankets, pillow
protectors), Design Weave’s innovative and luxurious sheet set incorporating Outlast® technology
helps to reduce temperature changes under the covers so the user stays at a balanced temperature
throughout the night.

“The Sleepy’s placement via Design Weave is exciting in that we were able to not only fill a
void within the distribution channel, but also do it with a unique, fashion-sensitive, high
value-in-use product that we’re sure consumers will embrace,” says Guy Eckert, executive vice
president of business development for Outlast Technologies. “I’m excited to have Sleepy’s on board
and look forward to future innovations.”

BENEFITS OF OUTLAST® TECHNOLOGY

Outlast® technology incorporated in the fabric of the sheets actively balances the
microclimate temperature under the covers, allowing users to stay in a comfort zone. Outlast®
technology improves comfort by managing heat build-up under the covers to prevent perspiration and
continuously adapts to changing skin temperature to keep you “thermo neutral.” Outlast® bedding is
perfect for thermally incompatible couples, women experiencing menopause and anyone looking for a
more comfortable night’s sleep.

Sheet sets are available in green, blue and white, Damask stripe pattern.

• 350 thread count
• 50% cotton and 50% Outlast® viscose fiber
• Outlast® temperature regulating technology
• Easy care-machine washable
• Set includes: 1 flat sheet, 1 fitted sheet, 2 pillowcases (1 pillowcase for twin and twin
  xl)
• $118.99 – $153.99

Sheet sets available as of June in all Sleepy’s stores. For more information, visit:
http://www.sleepys.com/

ABOUT DESIGN WEAVE USA

Design Weave USA is a privately held U.S. corporation, dedicated to producing innovative,
solution-based bedding products. Whether it’s keeping body temperature regulated throughout the
night, or providing protection from harmful allergens and dust mites, Design Weave is committed to
solving any issues that may be keeping its customers from getting the quality sleep they need. For
additional information, please visit:
www.designweaveusa.com.

ABOUT OUTLAST TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Outlast Technologies, Inc., a privately held U.S. corporation, is the worldwide leader in
developing phase-change materials and applications. As an innovative technology company for the
past twenty years, Outlast has launched temperature-regulating technology in apparel, footwear,
bedding, packaging and labels, and accessories. Originally developed for NASA, Outlast® fibers,
fabrics and coatings contain patented microencapsulated phase-change materials called Thermocules
^TM, which absorb, store, and release heat, providing increased comfort for consumers.
For more information, please visit
www.outlast.com.

Posted on August 3, 2010

Press Release Courtesy of Outlast Technologies Inc.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — July 27, 2010 — AATCC Proficiency Testing Programs are the best
way to ensure testing labs accurately perform test methods and interpret their results correctly.
AATCC is making it easier to participate in Proficiency Testing Programs by allowing labs to enter
their results online. This means data is included in the final report exactly as the lab reports
it-no risk of transcription errors or misinterpreted handwriting.

A brand new proficiency testing program covers basic antibacterial assessment by AATCC Test
Methods 100 and 147. Samples will be sent out October 2010 and April 2011. The cost is US$495 per
year or US$285 for a half-year subscription.

As with other programs, labs will receive samples and testing instructions by mail. Data is
returned to AATCC within six weeks and compiled. Each participating lab receives a complete report,
including data tables and graphs. An anonymous code allows each lab to identify its results in
comparison to the rest of the field.

Register for all Proficiency Testing Programs at
www.aatcc.org/programs/prof.

For the latest AATCC Press Releases and Photos:
www.aatcc.org/media/pr

ABOUT AATCC: AATCC is the world’s leading not-for-profit association serving textile
professionals since 1921. AATCC, headquartered in Research Triangle Park, N.C., USA, provides test
method development, quality control materials, and professional networking for members in about 60
countries throughout the world.

Posted on August 3, 2010

Press Release Courtesy of AATCC

The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) has written to the U.S. Department of Commerce
outlining a 10-step plan to help the Obama administration reach its goal of doubling exports over
the next five years. The plan was submitted to Commerce in response to its requests for comments on
its National Export Initiative.

The association says that at the present time, only a small percentage of its members export,
and those that do are mainly the larger companies. The report says: “Regrettably despite the fact
that apparel and footwear manufacturers are producing some of the most technologically advanced
apparel and footwear in the world, the predominant exports tend to come from the largest suppliers
who ship fabrics overseas for the commercial market and not the end-item consumer products.”

The report, based on a survey of domestic manufacturers, does say the manufacturers benefit
significantly from the U.S. military’s requirement to source domestically for military uniforms,
footwear and other textile-based equipment. Companies that make these products, however, are often
small and medium-sized businesses that have little or no commercial business due to the
specialization of their products.

AAFA says its members for the most part do not utilize any U.S. government assistance, “nor
were they even aware that any U.S. government assistance has been available.”

In order to help turn the situation around and expand exports, AAFA outlined these 10 steps
that it says can help achieve the Export Initiative goals:

• Small and medium-sized domestic manufacturers must be able to get easier access to credit,
  which AAFA says is “the lifeblood of their business.”
• Congress needs to approve the already negotiated free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama
  and South Korea.
• With 95 percent of the world’s consumers outside the United States, this country needs to open
  as many markets as possible by participating in initiatives such as the Trans-Pacific
  Partnership.
• As times change, the United States must ensure that its current trade agreements meet current
  technological developments, intellectual property protection and new market-opening
  opportunities.
• There must be a “successful and ambitious” conclusion of the Doha Round of trade liberalization
  negotiations.
• Everyone must adhere to a rules-based international trading system.
• Just as the United States expects its trading partners to live up to the rules, it must do the
  same thing.
• U.S. exports are not just products made domestically. U.S. manufacturers must make their
  branded products everywhere and sell them everywhere. These products support U.S. design, marketing
  and selling jobs in U.S. companies and bring earnings home.
• If U.S. manufacturers do not appreciate and support the role that imports play in an
  export-driven world economy, they lose their comparative advantages. If the United States refuses
  to buy from others, they will refuse to buy from the United States.
• Setting U.S. sights on doubling exports is great. But thinking and acting within the parameters
  of simply doubling exports limits the possibility of quadrupling U.S. exports.

As the report went forward, AAFA President and CEO Kevin Burke said: “As an industry that
makes everywhere and sells everywhere, the U.S. apparel and footwear industry stands behind the
NEI’s goals. To achieve these goals, the Obama Administration and Congress must work in concert
with stakeholders and the public to leverage and maximize every opportunity for growth.”

He added: “We cannot afford to leave any option off the table. Whether improving access to
export financing, continuing to open new markets, improving existing trade agreements or even
facilitating imports, every component is critical to realizing the final goal.”

In recent weeks, the Rupp Report has informed readers about companies, facing crisis, doing their
homework and preparing for the future. A recent example occurred during ITMA Asia CITME 2010: The
Hong Kong-based Fong’s Industries Group invited the international trade press to a press conference
to announce it is restructuring its marketing and sales organization.

Fong’s was founded in 1963 by Fong Sou Lam to produce dyeing and finishing machinery. Over
the years, Fong’s grew and was the first Asian company to acquire famous European brands.

European Acquisitions

In 2002, Fong’s formed Xorella Hong Kong Ltd. to acquire Switzerland-based Xorella AG, a
designer and manufacturer of steam-setting and conditioning equipment for yarns and fabrics. To
enlarge its portfolio of dyeing and finishing machinery, the group acquired in August 2004 Then
Maschinen- und Apparatebau GmbH and Scholl-Then GmbH, both based in Germany, and consolidated them
into Then Maschinen GmbH. And in April 2006, Fong’s founded Goller Textilmaschinen GmbH to acquire
the fixed assets, inventory and intellectual property of GTM Goller Textilmaschinen GmbH, Germany.

The Fong’s Group employs some 5,000 people, has more than 7,000 customers around the world
and annually produces more than 2,200 sets of dyeing and finishing machines.

New Sales And Services Strategy

At the press conference, Then Director Thomas Archner provided information about the new
sales, marketing and services approach. He explained how this new approach will affect the
structure of Fong’s sales and services organizations and how this new strategy will impact its
European operations.

“The time for lonely players is over,” Archner said. “More than ever, textile producers rely
on total solutions compatible with their entire production chain. It is often the case that
machinery manufacturers are acting like a general contractor.” Up to now, Archner explained, the
members of the Fong’s Group — mainly Fong’s, Then and Goller — had in most cases their own sales
teams, which at times has led to overlap or a lack of information among group members. Also, the
group experienced tough times in the past two years and discussed how one could improve the
response to market and customer needs. According to Archner, the strengths of the Fong’s Group are
strong brands like Fong’s, Then, Goller and others; its role as a well-known and respected market
player with all its brands; state-of-the-art technology; and its total customer orientation with
dedicated manpower in the group’s organizations.

The conclusion of the discussions was to rebuild the Fong’s Group into an efficient sales and
service organization with the strong brands being structured to form product groups.

Joint Sales Force Strategy

Archner said that in the past, the three brands had their own sales organizations and mostly
separate sales agents in countries worldwide, offering only the respective brand. In the future,
there will be one sales team providing information for all three brands. However, the intention is
not to reduce any capacity in the sales organization. Despite this change, the sales staff will
have much more time to focus on fewer markets in which they are responsible.

One Agency Per Country

Archner mentioned that Fong’s National, Then and Goller have agreed to work through one
master agency per country to unify the strengths of the technologies. These changes are what the
market has expected, and the customers will benefit from the new arrangement. This new move is
promoted with the motto: “Think complete, think Fong’s.”

Archner said the group’s strengths for the markets include having an entire product portfolio
from one source and strengthening the focus of existing sales forces in all markets worldwide, thus
resulting in a streamlined but more efficient organization.

Product Groups

The three brands Fong’s National, Then and Goller will be organized into product groups, each
one responsible for its respective bottom line and having its own manufacturing sections. These
groups would allow increased concentration on technological enhancements for existing product
ranges and new product development.

Some products are technologically demanding, and the users need in-depth advice that may
result in further investment in machinery. Archner mentioned if there is need for technological
consultation, product managers will support the sales colleagues and focus on the technical part of
those projects.



New Sales Organization And Legal Structure

The new sales organization divides the world into two parts: East and West. The East, which
covers the major Asian countries and territories, will be served by the Hong Kong and Shenzhen,
China, headquarters. The West — which covers Europe, Africa, and North and South America — will
be served by an office in Schwäbisch Hall, Germany. It is intended that all customers worldwide
will get an immediate response to any request relating to the three brands.

This new organization has a new legal structure: Parent company Fong’s Industries Co. Ltd.,
with its principal place of business in Hong Kong; and subsidiaries Fong’s National Engineering Co.
Ltd. and Fong’s Europe GmbH.

Fong’s Europe GmbH

Archner explained that in the course of developing this new sales and marketing strategy, it
was decided to merge the two European subsidiaries of the Fong’s Group’s European subsidiaries Then
Maschinen GmbH and Goller Textilmaschinen GmbH into Fong’s Europe GmbH. Fong’s Europe is
responsible for handling the West sales territories. As well, it will take part with its respective
employees in activities that mainly include after-sales service, product management, manufacturing
and R&D, supported by finance and administration.

The setup of Fong’s Europe GmbH is as follows: Then Maschinen GmbH was renamed Fong’s Europe
GmbH. Effective July 1, 2010, Goller Textilmaschinen GmbH was merged into Fong’s Europe GmbH.
Headquarters are located in Schwäbisch Hall, and there is a branch office in Schwarzenbach,
Germany.

Fong’s Group East

Walter S.W. Leung, sales director, overseas, Fong’s National Engineering Co. Ltd., Hong Kong,
discussed recent business developments and sales strategies of Fong’s National, noting that the
company has won recognition and excellent goodwill from its textile industry customers,
particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. “With its strong foothold and the new sales organization,
the Fong’s Group will undergo a new worldwide sales and service strategies in the coming months,”
he said.

Fong’s National, with Leung as its director, is responsible for sales and services in the
East, including India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, the entire Asia-Pacific region and surrounding
countries as far as New Zealand, with the exception of Mainland China. Fong’s National’s sales
organization comprises the sales force from the Hong Kong headquarters, the Macau trading office
and the Thailand office.

Enhanced Asian Services

In addition to the Hong Kong and Shenzhen headquarters, Fong’s National established various
after-sales service centers to provide complete, effective and timely customer service in the major
Asian markets. There are local service teams in Bangladesh and Indonesia. The Thailand office
handles the Thailand market and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region covering
Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei. In 2006, Fong’s Technical Service (PVT) Ltd. was established in
India, with centers in New Delhi, Mumbai and Tirupur to cater the growing Indian market.

To cope with the new sales strategy, the agency networks were consolidated in most of the
East markets such as India, Bangladesh, and Indonesia etc, so that “one-stop shopping” could be
provided.

Leung reported that for the Mainland China market, Fong’s National offers strong sales forces
and technical support from the Hong Kong and Shenzhen headquarters. In addition, regional sales and
service offices were established in Shantou, Fujian, Shaoxing, Changzhou, Nantong, Shanghai, Wuhan
and Qingdao.

The Future

For the future, Archner and Leung are convinced that with the new sales organization, the
Fong’s Group will be in a much better position to further explore and open up new overseas markets.
But another big step is ahead: In 1991, the Group acquired a 110,000-square-meter (m
²) site in Buji, Shenzhen, for new production facilities that came on line in 1995. In
2007, Fong’s acquired approximately 833,000 m
² of land in Zhongshan, Guangdong Province, China; and plans to build a new
manufacturing complex there in order to expand production capacity.

The reasons for the new structure, said Archner and Leung, are clear: “The aim is to secure a
sustainable growth of the Fong’s Group in the worldwide markets by being much closer to its
customers. The relationship with the customers is seen as a business partnership. Only if the
customers are successful in their respective businesses then the Fong’s Group has the chance of
becoming successful, too.” That is true, and time will tell.

July 27, 2010

Israel-based nylon 6,6 and microfiber yarn manufacturer Nilit Ltd. has announced that Taiwan-based
Everest Textile Co. Ltd., a vertically integrated textile manufacturer, has introduced Ever Ultra
Light Weight 5-denier fabric comprising Nilit’s Flat 6/4 yarn. Deemed by Everest Textile to be “the
lightest and finest fabric in the world,” the fabric is windproof and resistant to light rain and
high abrasion; has a silky smooth feel; features a tearing strength of up to 900 grams; and is easy
to pack, according to the company. The fabric is suitable for sporting and casualwear including
running apparel, cycling jackets and mountain-climbing down coats; and sleeping bags and tents.

Everest Textile reports it employed the Everest Sustainability Model of “less is more” in the
development and production processes for the new fabric. “Ever Ultra Light not only answers
consumers’ demands for comfortable, lightweight clothing but also for ecological products since its
light weight effectively reduces energy usage and waste emissions in production,” said Thomas Chiu,
R&D engineer, Everest Textile.

July 27, 2010

Italy-based laboratory equipment and splicer manufacturer Mesdan S.p.A.’s Mesdan-Lab division
introduced several new products at the recent ITMA Asia + CITME 2010.

The Elmatic Automatic Digital Elmendorf Tearing tester for both fine and heavy-duty textiles
and other materials features a measuring range from 200 centiNewtons (cN) to 30,000 cN; automated
test execution including specimen cut, pendulum release, specimen tear, tear force measurement,
pendulum stop and pendulum reposition in the starting position; total safety cover with safety lock
during testing; large liquid crystal display, personal computer (PC) and printer connection;
ability to post results in newtons, kilograms and pounds; Elmatic software for data storage, and
graphic and statistical report of results; high acuracy and repeatability; conformance with
international testing standards; and high productivity.

The MT-5 Evenness tester analyzes periodic mass variations produced during sliver, roving and
yarn manufacturing. The tester utilizes state-of-the-art capacitive sensors to measure evenness,
flaws and yarn count. Features include a measuring range between 80 grams per meter of sliver to Nm
250 yarns; an MT-5 software system that evaluates mass variations, provides spectrogram and
statistical data, and gives coefficient of variation and other percentages; an imperfection
indicator; a measuring device for  thin and thick places and neps in spun yarns; SPC
spectrograph; 306-nanometer maximum wavelength; and PC including monitor and printer.

The company also offers a modular nine-station model of the Martindale Abrasion and Pilling
tester for woven, knitted and nonwoven fabrics as well as leather and other materials. Its modular
design allows it to be equipped with four positions and upgraded to include six, eight or nine
positions. Mesdan reports the tester is very quiet and vibration-free and offers a very precise
Lissajous figure. It conforms to a number of international abrasion and pilling testing standards
and has been approved by United Kingdom-based Marks & Spencer for six of its test methods.
Features include touch screen keyboard, independent digital counting of each testing head, easy
access to tested specimens, key and safety device to stop operation in case of emergency, and
numerous other features.

July 27, 2010

Memphis, Tenn.-based Buckman Laboratories International Inc., a specialty chemical company, reports
it has developed a line of green fire retardant (FR) products that contain no volatile organic
compounds (VOCs). The complete Flamebloc® GS (Green Series) line comprises 13 substrate-specific
chemistries compatible with a variety of materials from paper and wood to plastics and
fabric. 

The line is based on a water-based polymeric amino-polyphosphate chemistry that provides char
forming protection against flame and heat and is manufactured by Houston-based Flame Seal Products
Inc. According to Buckman, the GS products are made using generally-recognized-as-safe (GRAS) raw
materials and do not need halogen to activate their FR capabilities, making them more
environmentally friendly than traditional FR products.

“The market has been looking for a green FR chemistry, and we are pleased to provide the
solution,” said Jim Hachtmann, business manager for Coatings & Plastics, Buckman. “We are
excited about the current and future possibilities of this chemistry and look forward to working
with Flame Seal on the next generation products.”

Products will be available through both Buckman’s and Flame Seal’s sales networks, and a
Solutions Team comprised of associates from both companies will work with customers to provide the
code assistance, testing, support and project management skills.

July 27, 2010