IFAI’s Advanced Textiles ’11 Conference To Colocate With ITMA In Barcelona

The European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers (CEMATEX), owner of the quadrennial ITMA
textile machinery exhibition, has invited the Roseville, Minn.-based Industrial Fabrics Association
International (IFAI) to co-locate its Advanced Textiles ’11 conference with ITMA 2011, to be held
Sept. 22-29, 2011, in Barcelona, Spain.

“Technical textiles is a very important sector and we welcome IFAI to organize the Advanced
Textiles conference at ITMA 2011,” said Maria Avery, secretary general, CEMATEX. “We see it as a
win-win-partnership as both our events focus on innovation, which is one of the most important
drivers of business success today.”

Advanced Textiles ’11 will offer three sessions on the mornings of September 26-28 to present
new technical textiles research and developments under the following topics: an overview of the
technical textile market including demands and challenges; a look at the requirements for end
markets such as performance apparel; bio-hazard/extreme environments; electronic interactive
materials; digital signage; and complex materials applications.

“IFAI’s Advanced Textiles ’11 is a champion of the new spirit and game-changing technologies
in the textile industry,” said Stephen Warner, president and CEO, IFAI. “Our mission is to inspire
people, and we bring the network and knowledge together at our event with future-looking experts in
the field of technical textiles. The global demand for new applications is driving exciting
breakthroughs in the advanced textiles community.”

IFAI has begun developing the program for the conference and invites potential presenters to
submit a 300-word abstract to Kristy Meade, IFAI director of education and events, at
klmeade@ifai.com. Deadline is Oct. 1, 2010.



June 22, 2010

Teijin Aramid Restarts Last Spinning Line

The Netherlands-based Teijin Aramid B.V. — a manufacturer of aramid fibers for various
applications, and a subsidiary of the Japan-based Teijin Group — has announced it will restart the
last spinning line for aramid fibers at its Emmen plant in the Netherlands. Following a significant
decline in demand for Twaron® fiber in 2009, the company shut down a large number of spinning
lines. Teijin Aramid reports aramid demand is recovering more quickly than anticipated and as a
result, it will start up its last spinning line and add some 30 employees in the process. All
spinning lines are expected to be operational and producing at full capacity by the fourth quarter
of 2010.

June 22, 2010

Amacoil Debuts Level Winding System

Aston, Pa.-based Amacoil Inc., an integrator of linear motion systems and components, has developed
the Amacoil-Uhing AVS system software-based level winding system. The technology uses sensors to
monitor and coordinate line feed speed, spool rotational speed, and linear speed and position of
the traversing unit. Software built into the AVS is designed to analyze the sensor data and
automatically correct any uneven winding that to eliminate bumps or dents in the wound material.
The software can store up to 10 different winding programs that can be recalled easily using a
preset button.

The traverse winding drive is suitable for applications requiring winding speeds of up to
3,000 revolutions per minute on a conical- or cylindrical-shaped spool. The nature of the
technology means warped or damaged spool flanges may still be used to produce an evenly wound
spool. Amacoil reports typical textile products compatible with the winder include tape, ribbons,
ropes and string.

The AVS may be combined with Uhing traverses as well as other level winding traverse drives
such as ball screws and linear actuators and timing belts.

June 22, 2010

Hanesbrands Reshapes Traditional Bra Sizing And Comfort With Breakthrough Fit Technology In Its Hanes And Barely There Brands

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.– June 17, 2010 — Hanesbrands Inc. announced today that it is rolling out its
latest intimate apparel innovation – proprietary shape-to-fit bra technology – under its Hanes and
Barely There brands.

The innovative new system, called Smart Sizes, uses patented construction that molds to the
shape of the wearer and allows five shape-to-fit bra sizes to replace 16 traditional cup-and-band
sizes, resulting in easier shopping, a custom fit and superior comfort.

Hanesbrands, one of the world’s leading innovators in intimate apparel, is using the Smart
Sizes patented technology in new Hanes and Barely There bra collections launching across department
store, mid-tier and mass-merchant retailers this summer.

“The launch of Smart Sizes is great news for women whose No. 1 complaint when shopping for
bras is that they can never find a size that is comfortable for them,” said Christy Respess-Jones,
vice president/general manager of intimate apparel for Hanesbrands. “With a streamlined sizing
configuration, retailers can now display more bras in each size and carry more colors per size so
the customer can easily and quickly find what she needs and make her purchase.”

After several years of product development work, Hanesbrands’ research-and-development
professionals developed the Smart Sizes bra system using a series of unique flexible and floating
frames that allow bras to mold themselves to the shapes of the wearers. The system works with
wirefree bras as well as more complex underwire styles.

Hanes and Barely There will continue to offer bra lines that use the traditional
alpha-numeric sizing, but the introduction of brand-specific Smart Size bra lines – Hanes
ComfortFlex Fit and Barely There CustomFlex Fit – will give consumers an innovative new choice to
find the perfect bra fit.

The streamlined five Smart Sizes – extra small through extra large – are used in place of
traditional alpha-numeric bra sizes from 30A through 42C. Those sizes represent 58 percent of the
bras sold in the United States, according to retail market data.

“Smart Sizes is a very big concept that revolutionizes how women fit and buy their bras,”
said Sandy Waitz, vice president of intimate apparel design and development for Hanesbrands. “With
the flexible fit properties of Smart Sizes, women can find a bra that literally molds to their
individual shapes, including unique fit challenges such as between sizes and unevenly sized
breasts.”

Hanesbrands uses its product innovation across brands and distribution channels to take
advantage of its strong market penetration. Hanesbrands has five of the 10 most preferred intimate
apparel brands by consumers, including top-ranked Hanes and Barely There, according to Retailing
Today magazine’s 2009 “Top Brands Study” conducted by Leo J. Shapiro & Associates.

“Our design team is the best in this industry, and we are constantly exploring new ideas and
technologies that our brands can use to transform the bra category,” Waitz said. “Hanes and Barely
There, which target the average-figure women, are applying this technology to give their consumers
one of the biggest advancements in bra sizing, convenience and comfort.”

Previously, Hanesbrands has used its concealer bra technology to successfully offer new lines
in its Bali, Playtex, Hanes and Barely There brands. “Product innovation in bras works particularly
well for Hanesbrands,” Waitz said. “We are able to take big consumer ideas and leverage them across
multiple brands reaching multiple channels of trade.”

About Hanesbrands

Hanesbrands Inc. is a leading marketer of everyday apparel essentials under some of the
world’s strongest apparel brands, including Hanes, Champion, Playtex, Bali, JMS/Just My Size,
barely there and Wonderbra. The company sells T-shirts, bras, panties, men’s underwear, children’s
underwear, socks, hosiery, casualwear and activewear produced in the company’s low-cost global
supply chain. Hanesbrands has approximately 45,000 employees in more than 25 countries and takes
pride in its strong reputation for ethical business practices. More information about the company
and its corporate social responsibility initiatives may be found on the Hanesbrands Internet
website at
www.hanesbrands.com.

Posted on June 22, 2010

Press Release Courtesy of Hanesbrands Inc.

Green Manufacturer Comes To Belleville: McGuinty Government Supports Economic Development, Creates Local Jobs

BELLEVILLE, Ontario — June 21, 2010 — Ontario is helping Belleville become home to Canada’s only
carpet tile manufacturer, creating jobs and strengthening the local economy.

BelleTile Inc., a company that will manufacture sustainable and ecological textile flooring,
will launch operations to supply commercial sectors including offices, hospitals and educational
institutions.  BelleTile will use a new low carbon footprint manufacturing process that offers
environmental, social and financial benefits.

Ontario is investing over $2.8 million in the $10 million-plus project through the Eastern
Ontario Development Fund and the Rural Economic Development Program to help create 31 jobs in two
years and up to 65 jobs within five years. 

Investing in local business organizations is a key component of the Open Ontario five-year
plan to create new job opportunities and promote economic growth in the province.

QUOTES

“Hard-working families and their communities are the backbone of Ontario’s economy. 
Today’s announcement underlines how our government is collaborating with business and local
governments to help create jobs and boost regional economies.”- Sandra Pupatello, Minister of
Economic Development and Trade

“I am pleased that with Ontario’s support, BelleTile will be able to promote their unique
made-in-Ontario products. Creating the environment for Ontario businesses to thrive is an important
part of the McGuinty government’s five year Open Ontario plan to create jobs and opportunities for
Ontario families.”- Carol Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

“I am delighted that BelleTile has partnered with our government to invest in a business that
will bring jobs and economic growth to our community.”- Leona Dombrowsky, MPP Prince
Edward-Hastings

“The province’s investment in this project is making it possible for us to launch a
one-of-a-kind business in Canada.  This will help us capitalize on the needs of an emerging
market and create local jobs.  The BelleTile model is an encouragement to other communities
who may feel challenged when businesses close, that creative approach and perseverance can pay
off.”- Rahumathulla Marikkar, VP & General Manager, BelleTile Inc.

QUICK FACTS   

  • Ideally located in Belleville, the facility will target Canada and north eastern U.S. states to
    take advantage of increasing market demand for LEED certified building and renovation
    materials.        
  • LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) is an internationally recognized
    certification system to give buildings a “green” designation.   
  • The Rural Economic Development Program is providing $1,894,500 and the Eastern Ontario
    Development Fund is providing $914,776.

Posted on June 21, 2010

Press Release Courtesy of Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade

Polyester Fibers And GeoHay Support Containment Effort In Gulf Of Mexico

Conover, N.C. — May 25, 2010 — Polyester Fibers, a diversified manufacturer and distributor of
value-added, high-loft non-woven materials, announced today that through its partnership with
GeoHay, its products are supporting the containment effort in the Gulf of Mexico. GeoHay is a
patented, environmentally friendly and green line of barrier filtration products made from recycled
fibers.

As oil from BP’s Deepwater Horizon leak continues to drift toward beaches along the Gulf of
Mexico, local agencies have turned to GeoHay and Polyester Fibers to defend their coast lines.
GeoHay will act as a filter along the coast line absorbing the oil and allowing the filtered water
to flow back out freely, thus reducing the amount of exposure to oil contamination on the
shoreline. Polyester Fibers, a supplier to a diverse set of markets including filtration, produces
the recycled textile material which is integral to the construction of GeoHay.

“We are proud to be partnered with GeoHay and to be a part of minimizing the effects of the
current disaster in the Gulf,” said Shannon Marshall, chief executive officer of Polyester Fibers.
“Our product, together with GeoHay, has been used in many applications in order to protect the
environment. This is another example of how our products, while behind the scene, are used to make
a difference.”

“Polyester Fibers has been a key partner in our development and production of GeoHay,” said
Dan Hargett, CEO of Hargett & Associates and co-owner of GeoHay, LLC. “Polyester Fibers works
hand-in-hand with our engineers developing a number of products designed to address numerous
environmental concerns.”

C W Roberts, one of the largest road contractors in the Southeast, working with a GeoHay
distributor, demonstrated GeoHay’s potential for providing excellent protection of the beach and
wetlands as well as a method of oil collection. The Emergency Management Office of the Walton
County Sheriff’s Department has already received truck-loads of material to be used should the oil
reach their coast. Operations at Polyester Fibers and GeoHay are prepared for increases in
production levels due to further demand generated by the mitigation efforts. Discussions are
underway to expand the support for protection and cleanup efforts in Alabama, Mississippi,
Louisiana and Texas.



About Polyester Fibers


Polyester Fibers is the largest and most flexible manufacturer and distributor of
value-added, high-loft non-woven materials for the bedding, furniture, filtration, industrial and
retail markets in the United States. The company, comprised of 5 operating units: Tupelo Fibers,
Cameo Fibers, Cumulus Fibres, Mountain Mist and Buffalo Batt; has more than 450 employees serving
thousands of customers in the United States, Canada and Europe.

About GeoHay

Made with recycled fibers, GeoHay is an environmentally friendly and green line of barrier
filtration products that can be reused over and over again. GeoHay has been proven to be an
effective and cost efficient solution for many environmental protection applications including the
control of erosion and sediment. Confirmed by independent testing GeoHay has been shown to
outperform other leading competitive products in the control of storm water runoff and the removal
of particulate and turbidity in the water. GeoHay products are produced in standard sizes and can
also be ordered to fit the specific needs of its customers. All GeoHay products come with precut
stake holes for easy installation and are non-biodegradable. For additional information please
visit www.geohay.com

Posted on June 17, 2010

Press Release Courtesy of Polyester Fibers

Nonwoven Technology Aiding In Containing Gulf Oil Spill

CARY, NC – June 4, 2010 – An industry more known for its baby diapers, household wipes and medical
products is making a vital contribution to the containment and cleanup of the massive BP oil spill
in the Gulf of Mexico.

Among the many materials and devices being utilized to protect the sensitive Gulf Coast from
the largest oil spill in history are adsorbent “booms” primarily made from polypropylene nonwovens.
These booms basically consist of a nonwoven tube filled with a number of different polypropylene
materials, primarily made from a nonwoven process known as meltblowing. The booms are laid down in
the water and their properties attract and adsorb the oil from the water better than any other
known similar product.

INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, whose members include the companies that
supply products ranging from baby diapers and feminine hygiene pads to medical nonwoven gowns to
household wipes, says its members are playing a crucial role in the desperate effort to contain the
BP oil spill that threatens hundreds of miles of sensitive coastline.

“Nonwovens companies are producing the products that are proving most successful in adsorbing
the oil that is flowing out of the BP well,” says Rory Holmes, president of INDA. “Many have
stepped up production to meet this incredible, unforeseen demand for meltblown nonwovens.”

From a technical perspective, polypropylene meltblown nonwovens are proving to be
particularly effective because their specific gravity is lighter than water, so the booms are able
to float on the water’s surface. In addition, polypropylene has an affinity for oil that allows it
to adsorb the oil in great quantities. The products utilize meltblown polypropylene as the oil
adsorbent because the meltblown fiber diameter is extremely fine and cumulatively presents a large
surface to attract and hold onto the oil.

The extremely fine meltbown fibers can adsorb much more oil than most other products – up to
25 times its weight, compared to clay oil absorbent granules, which only absorb up to three times
their weight – due to greater surface area of meltblown per a given unit. They work by collecting
the oil on the surface of the fibers. “This meltblown technology is playing a vital role in the
cleanup efforts and in slowing the spread of this massive oil spill,” says Holmes. “Our member
companies are working diligently to meet this unprecedented demand.”  

As another option to deal with the massive oil spill, raw cotton acts a lot like meltblown
polypropylene and does not absorb water, floats on the surface of water and has a great affinity
for oil.  Several nonwoven processes can convert raw cotton into very effective oil sorbents.

A demonstration of how this meltblown technology and these products work is available at
www.inda.org. For a list of companies making products that are
being used in the cleanup and containment of the Gulf oil spill, go to www.inda.org.

Posted on June 17, 2010

Press Release Courtesy of INDA

Oilguard – New Nonwoven Technology Launched Helping To Protect Beaches From Oil Spills

BAD ZURZACH, Switzerland, EMSDETTEN, Germany — June 14, 2010 — A new nonwoven fabric for beach
protection against oil spills has been developed by European high-tech companies. It can be
deployed short-term in large quantities to for example the affected US coastal regions.

The current oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is causing major damage to the open waters and
coastal regions. This acute problem will at the very least persist for several months. 

Given the magnitude of the oil release, no existing technique alone is able to grant full
protection against the oil which will eventually end up on beaches, rocks and land. Once oil is on
land the contamination can be severe, and the cost and effort associated with the clean-up
tremendous.

The vast coastal eco-system impact of the oil-spill was the driving force for HeiQ Materials
AG – a Swiss high-performance textile effects company and TWE – a world leading German manufacturer
of nonwoven fabrics, to develop, produce and launch an oil absorbing nonwoven fabric called
Oilguard. Rolled out on beaches, Oilguard specifically contributes to the beach protection due to
its built-in capability to absorb oil while repelling water at the same time.

“Based on our previous product development work on super hydrophobic technologies for
textiles, we have a unique know-how and understanding which we have now been able to rapidly turn
into a product, Oilguard, that can play a role in helping to mitigate the serious problem in the
Gulf of Mexico”, says Carlo Centonze, CEO of HeiQ. “We are pleased to be able to assist with our
know-how and technologies for a crucial cause like this.”

Oilguard was developed by HeiQ under extreme time constraints in a joint effort with Swiss
partner company, Beyond Surface Technologies, and the TWE Group in Germany. The Oilguard nonwoven
fabric can be up to 6 yards wide and hundreds of yards long. The companies’ current production
capacity corresponds to 20 miles of new beach protection every day.

“We are in the unique position that we are set-up to deliver large quantities of the Oilguard
nonwoven fabric in virtually no time to any region in need for it” says Jörg Ortmeier, CEO of TWE.
“Currently we are in the process of organizing live testing in collaboration with US authorities
and will then be able to rapidly contribute to help mitigate the oil contamination of the
coastline.”

Large scale deployment tests of the Oilguard fabric are planned to take place in the coming
weeks aiming at providing guidance to the relief workers who will ultimately use the product.Carlo
Centonze explains: “We have received significant interest and support from US federal and political
channels and we also seek to engage state authorities, local groups and NGOs to participate in this
challenging beach rescue project.”

Further Oilguard information is available on
www.oilguard.org .

About HeiQ:

HeiQ Materials AG is a Swiss high-tech company researching, developing and manufacturing
sustainable textile effects for the most demanding customer areas. Focusing on both textile and
medical markets, the company seeks to build nature-inspired innovation into products, making them
naturally performing. HeiQ’s products are characterized by high efficiency coupled with
long-lasting performance, yet with a minimum impact on the environment. HeiQ is a fast-growing
internationally active company, with a palette of award winning state-of-the-art textile effects
technologies like Pure by HeiQ® and Barrier by HeiQ®.
www.heiqmaterials.com,
www.heiq.com 



About TWE: 


The TWE GROUP is one of the world’s leading producer of non-wovens. Developing and making its
mark in this field for decades TWE is able to offer customers new products and ideas based on a
large set of different technologies. Being an international group of companies, each manufacturing
site concentrates on specific technologies offering centres of excellence. Since TWE only uses
quality raw materials and state of the art production processes leading global companies have long
decided to rely on “Made by the TWE” quality label.
www.twe.de 

About Beyond Surface Technologies:

Beyond Surface Technologies AG is a Swiss based company that has created a global network of
partner companies, technology providers and textile experts. BST is researching, developing and
producing a unique range of quality effects based on sustainable technologies for textile surfaces.http://www.beyondst.com

Posted on June 17, 2010

Press Release Courtesy of TWE Group

Geithner Sees Chinese Market Opportunities, But Calls For Playing By The Rules

Testifying before the Senate Finance Committee, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said China
potentially could become the largest foreign market for U.S. goods, but he emphasized that China
must do a better job of playing by the rules of international trade.

“China is an important market not only for large U.S. firms, but also for small and
medium-size enterprises, Geithner said.  “The latest data show that small businesses directly
account for roughly a third of the value of U.S. exports to China and they contribute a substantial
part of the value of exports by our large companies as well.”

At the same time, the Treasury secretary noted that U.S. imports from China have increased
rapidly, “but much of this is the result of China replacing other foreign producers.” He added that
a “substantial share” of the value added in products the United States imports from China come from
components manufactured in other countries in Asia. In addition to that, U.S. textile manufacturers
say China is undercutting trade in the Western Hemisphere and Africa with textile components in
apparel that are illegally subsidized.

Pointing out that he believes broader engagement with China can present job opportunities for
American workers, Geithner said, “We have urged China to take action to provide a more level
playing field for American export firms that export to China and that compete with Chinese
producers in our markets and around the world.”

Geithner brought up the touchy subject of China’s alleged currency manipulation, which U.S.
companies, including textile manufacturers, contend amounts to an illegal trade subsidy.

“Reform of China’s exchange rate is critically important to the United States and to the
global economy, and it is in China’s best interest to allow the exchange rate to reflect market
forces. President Hu stated in public this month that China is committed to the reform of the
exchange rate, and stated that reform is a key part of China’s strategy to produce more balanced
growth, growth that relies more on domestic demand,” Geithner said.

Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., who is sponsoring tough Chinese currency reform legislation,
expressed his concern over the lack of action on currency reform and warned that the Senate may act
soon on his bill that would place a surcharge on Chinese exports because of its undervalued
currency. His legislation and similar bills have strong support in Congress, but they would be
unlikely to be enacted in view of the Obama administration’s opposition to taking that route. The
legislation, however, does tend put pressure on the administration and China to act more swiftly.

In his congressional testimony, Geithner also assured senators that the administration will
“apply forcefully” the full remedies available under U.S. law to address unfair trade practices
such as injurious dumping and subsidies.  He pointed out that the Commerce Department has been
investigating antidumping and countervailing duty complaints against Chinese goods.

June 2010

The Rupp Report: Textiles For The World Cup

For the next four weeks, the world of sports will be having a big party — it’s World Cup time in
South Africa. Sports is an important sector of the global textile industry. Sports and leisurewear
are generating important revenues for textile companies all over the world. Top brands like Nike,
Puma and Adidas spend millions of dollars for their marketing to maintain their place in the top
league as suppliers of sportswear.

EMPA St. Gallen

EMPA, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, is a highly
reputed institute for various sectors of the industry. It is an interdisciplinary research and
services institution for material sciences and technology development within the ETH Zürich, the
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology.

EMPA has a special interest in textiles at its offices in St. Gallen, the world capital of
embroidery. The inauguration dress worn by U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama included embroidery from
St. Gallen. No wonder, in times of the World Cup, the two topics at a recent EMPA Science Apéro
gathering were the physical strain soccer players’ bodies endure during the game and new functional
clothing developments.

Dr. Bruno Damann, team doctor of the local soccer club, stated that in recent years, the game
has become considerably harder and faster. The huge sums of money that are spent bring on
ever-increasing competitive pressure. “The competition comes not that much from the opposing team
as from a player’s own colleagues,” he said.

Injuries

EMPA notes that in order to win and hold a place on the first team, a player must undergo
very aggressive training, and he is most likely to sustain injury during this training period. The
Swiss Accident Insurance Fund reports there are 191,000 soccer-related accidents annually in
Switzerland, a country of some 7 million citizens. In some instances, new types of injuries result
owing to technological advances. As an example, while soccer shoes today provide excellent
stability and improved grip, the design also increases the load on the knee and the likelihood that
players will sustain more knee-related injuries.

High-performance Textiles

EMPA further states that sports equipment suppliers are challenged in their efforts to help a
player go “faster, longer, further.” Increasingly sophisticated garment systems, such as
tight-fitting compression apparel, contribute to enhanced performance. Such garments were first
developed for swimmers, but now they are designed for a large range of sports, including soccer.
Compression garments apply pressure on particular parts of the body, thereby increasing the blood
flow by about 2 percent and reducing muscle vibration. On the other hand, the materials from which
these garments are made are not very breathable, which can make them uncomfortable.

Body Temperature

Improving apparel materials is also the goal of an EMPA project conducted by researcher
Markus Weder, whose main focus is sports apparel that enables optimal body temperature control,
from prevention of overheating during a game to prevention of chilling during periods of lower
activity.

Athleticwear must meet rather demanding requirements. Weder mentioned the fabric must offer
optimal thermal insulation properties for a wide range of temperatures, which in South Africa may
be freezing or sweltering in June and July, depending on the location. It is not sufficient just to
select a long or short-sleeved functional jersey.

Army Material For Athleticwear

To demonstrate textile technology advances, EMPA cites a comparative test among three
different jerseys: an older Swiss army shirt, a shirt currently worn by the St. Gallen soccer club
and a T-shirt EMPA recently developed for the Swiss army. The new material keeps the body cool and
consequently minimizes perspiration, while it also is by far the fastest-drying of the three
materials.

More information is available at
www.empa.ch.

Sponsors