NCTO Receives DOC Appreciation Award For Trade

On Monday, May 11, Rep. Sue Myrick, R., N.C., presented the US Department of Commerce (DOC)
Appreciation Award for Trade to The National Council of Textile Organizations’ (NCTO’s) North
Carolina office for its continuing efforts to support trade — specifically, export trade — within
the US textile industry. NCTO selected RadiciSpandex Corp., a Gastonia, N.C.-based spandex fiber
manufacturer and NCTO member, to accept the award because it is a leading exporter of US-made
goods. RadiciSpandex Marketing Manager Kim Hall represented the company at the award ceremony,
which was held at the Gaston County Citizen’s Resource Center in Dallas, N.C.

May 12, 2009

Exhibition Space Open At ITMA Asia + CITME 2010 In Shanghai

Organizers of the second ITMA Asia + CITME textile machinery exhibition – to be held June 22-26,
2010, at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre in Shanghai’s Pudong district – are inviting
textile machinery manufacturers to apply for exhibition space. According to show organizers Beijing
Textile Machinery International Exhibition Co. Ltd. and Singapore-based MP International Pte. Ltd.,
the exhibition is expected to draw a record response, despite the current global economic climate.

“In a world of uncertainty, manufacturers are looking increasingly at cost-cutting measures
and value propositions,” said Maria Avery, secretary general, CEMATEX, the European Committee of
Textile Machinery Manufacturers, owner of ITMA Asia. “Textile machinery manufacturers will
consolidate their resources and rely on established platforms that deliver great value and
sustainability. Hence, we are confident that all the leading brand names will continue to have a
presence in credible showcases that are organized by the industry.”

Launched in 2008 by CEMATEX and its Chinese partners – the Sub-Council of Textile Industry,
the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, the China Textile Machinery Association
and China Exhibition Centre Group Corporation – ITMA Asia + CITME combines two previously
independently produced Asian textile machinery exhibitions. The inaugural ITMA Asia + CITME, which
drew 1,368 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions and more than 80,000 trade visitors from 96
countries and regions, sold out its exhibition space. Applications for space are due September 30,
2009. For more information about the show, visit
www.itmaasia.com or
www.citme.com.

May 12, 2009

DAK Americas Announces PSF Price Increase

Effective June 1, Charlotte-based DAK Americas LLC — a producer of polyester staple fibers (PSFs),
polyethylene terephthalate resins and terephthalic acid monomers; and a subsidiary of Mexico-based
Alfa S.A.B. de C.V. — will implement a 3-cents-per-pound price increase on all of its PSF products,
in addition to the 4-cents-per-pound price increase that became effective May 1. The company cited
the escalating demand for paraxylene, a raw material feedstock used to manufacture PSFs, in
announcing the increase.

May 12, 2009

BASF Announces Price Increase For Styrofan™ Latex

Effective June 1, or as contracts allow, Florham Park, N.J.-based BASF Corp. will implement a price
increase of 4 cents per dry pound for all Styrofan™ carboxylated styrene-butadiene polymers sold to
the carpet industry in the United States and Canada.



May 12, 2009

J+J/Invision Backing Systems Receive NSF/ANSI Standard 140-2007 Certification

Dalton, Ga.-based J&J Industries — a manufacturer of carpet for commercial applications
including corporate interiors, healthcare, retail and educational facilities — has announced three
carpet backing systems in its J+J/Invision product line have been certified by Ann Arbor,
Mich.-based third-party certification organization NSF International to be compliant with the
NSF/ANSI Standard 140-2007 Sustainable Carpet Assessment standard.

J+J/Invision’s eKo® modular carpet backing system has received platinum certification; and
its PremierBac™ Plus and TitanBac® Plus broadloom carpet backing systems have received gold
certification. NSF/ANSI 140-2007 rates sustainable carpet on three performance levels — silver,
gold and platinum — using established criteria for sustainable manufacturing processes; reclamation
and end-of-life management; energy usage and efficiency; use of bio-based, recycled or
environmentally preferable materials; and efforts to minimize adverse impacts on public health, the
environment and the community.

Eko modular carpet backing contains less material, making it 33-percent lighter-weight than
traditional polyvinyl chloride backing; and it also is recyclable in a closed-loop system.
PremierBac Plus and TitanBac Plus broadloom carpet backings feature lifetime warranties for tuft
bind strength and delamination protection. TitanBac Plus also features a system that keeps moisture
from penetrating into the subfloor. Eko, PremierBac Plus and TitanBac Plus are all part of EnAct®,
J&J Industries’ company-wide focus on sustainability.

May 12, 2009

Springtime In Paris


D
 espite the lagging economy, sample orders for many recent Paris apparel textile trade
show exhibitors were ahead of last year. Business is coming back to Europe. The trend is to order
less, buy more frequently and demand faster deliveries – something not available from Asian mills.
And buyers looking for innovation and creativity found a lot of it at the shows.

Fiber producers, yarn spinners, weavers, knitters and finishers all offered new developments
and treatments that buyers wanted. Generally, fluid, sheer, supple, silky-touch fabrics are
favorites for Spring/Summer 2010. Some have crinkled surfaces; others, a papery touch. Open-work
comes via knit stitch, loose weave or laser cut. Luster, shine and metallic decoration are
abundant.

Performance fabrics transport and evaporate moisture, are antibacterial and
ultraviolet-protective, and provide thermal comfort. Eco-friendliness is a given, with cotton,
linen and silk reported to be fibers of choice, along with recycled polyester and a bio-based nylon
as activewear favorites. Natural dyestuffs and low-impact finishing treatments are on the rise.

bucol
Fabric from Bucol, shown at Première Vision


Fibers


Cary, N.C.-based Cotton Incorporated, an exhibitor at Première Vision and Texworld, showed
development techniques and fabrics, along with Fall/Winter 2010-11 color direction. Fabrics shown
included knits with a dry, crisp hand; fluid 36-gauge single knits, hairless, singed, plied yarns;
and piece-dyed, discharge-printed denim. 

Supima, Phoenix, showed fabrics and apparel brands, and garments created by young, emerging
designers. Of note was a wedding dress created in Supima® cotton shirting fabrics by Cotonificio
Albini S.p.A., Italy.

Lenzing Fibers, Austria, focused on new fiber variant ProModal®, Tencel® in denim and the
environment. Lenzing is working with DyStar Textilfarben GmbH & Co. Deutschland KG, Germany, to
develop eco-friendly ways to use and reuse dyestuff.

At Première Vision, Masters of Linen, Paris, showed a collection of innovative fabrics called
Linen Dream Lab. Fabric samples were executed by European knitters and weavers. Libeco Lagae S.A.,
Belgium, showed a linen/paper-blend dense and loose check. Also seen were a micro textured jacquard
with a dry hand and fluid drape from Crespi, Italy; camouflage-patterned devoré of linen/silk that
has mechanical softening by Achille Pinto, Italy; soft, ultrafine double voile by Coltex Retail
Group, the Netherlands; broken geometric damask by Linea Tessile Italiana, Italy; and a 3-D
prism-like knit in yarns from Linificio E Canapificio, Italy.

mantero
Fabric from Mantero Seta S.p.A., shown at Première Vision


Expofil


 Exhibitors at Expofil, the yarn segment of Première Vision Pluriel, presented a lot of
newness. Much of the focus was on yarns for Fall/Winter 2010/11 and future developments.

Sofila, France, introduced its greenfil® yarn, made of Rilsan® nylon produced from oil
extracted from castor beans. Sofila is using natural dyes produced by Rubia Pigmenta Naturalia, the
Netherlands. Hosiery, lace, swimwear and medical products makers have shown interest.

France-based Safilin introduced ultrafine-count linen yarns. A lot are going to knitters,
including Bel Maille and Bugis, both based in France, and Silanco S.p.A, Italy. Bel Maille reported
excellent reaction to its linen single jersey and a linen/cotton piqué. Bugis is blending linen
with cotton or Tencel. Fabrics include piqué stitches, ribs and jersey with a slight nub.

Techno yarns at Tearfil, Portugal, are low-pill and antibacterial. A new yarn spun of
Trevira® is being used in double cloths for the next-to-skin inner layer. For Winter 2010, Tearfil
has new cashmere/silk yarns.

Hermann Bühler, Switzerland, reported special interest in TransDRY™ and Rainbow yarns.
Recently, it introduced an extensive range of ultrafine organic Supima cotton yarns. Another new
product is Royal Spun, a MicroModal® yarn with improved anti-pilling.

New at Kurabo Industries Ltd., Japan, is Qwon yarn irradiated to bind deodorizing agents,
producing a long-lasting effect. The yarn absorbs moisture inside clothing to generate heat and
warm the body. Mitsubishi, Japan, showed superfine acrylic yarns with antistatic, anti-pilling and
heat-generating properties. Other yarns resemble fur.

ProModal spinner Karsu Tekstil, Turkey, is showing cellulosic yarns as well as cashmere and
wool blends. There are fine-count and anti-pill yarns. Sampaio, Portugal, has ultralight
ProModal/spandex piqué and single knits.

One of the most crowded stands was Rubia, whose current spectrum of naturally dyed colors
ranges from pale pinks and oranges to deep reds and browns. Rubia’s dyes are powder extracts from
Rubia tinctorum roots grown on its own farm. Soon to be introduced are yellows and blues. Crespi
and Italy-based Marioboselli Group are using Rubia dyes.

ratti
Fabric from Ratti S.p.A., shown at Première Vision


Première Vision Best Sellers


At Crespi, linens have a paper touch, are gold-foil-coated or have pearly finishes.
Marioboselli has linen/Lycra® knits and heavy jacket weights for menswear.

 Libeco Lagae is selling naturally dyed linen. Popular are glazed linens washed to give
them a soft hand, linen gauze and summer tweeds.

Prints tend to be large and bold, blurred and romantic, abstract, outlined or graphic.
Continuing are skins, small shirting florals, dots and paisleys. Print bases at Josef Otten GmbH
& Co., Austria, are heavy cotton/silk blends, seersucker, polyester sateen, heavy linens, silk
chiffon and viscose crepe. There are blurred florals, abstracts and mono-colored flowers outlined
in white.

Miroglio Group, Italy, has spectacular dramatic flowers, sunburst stripes, animals in their
natural habitat and enormous borders. Italian printer Friulprint’s line, created by five young
British-schooled designers, ranges from colorful abstract florals to architectural designs.

Silk producer Ratti S.p.A., Italy, has sophisticated fabrics with dimensional effects,
transparent foil coatings, prints with a faded look, bleeding watery florals and new paisleys. Best
seller at R. Allegri & Filli S.r.l., Italy, is a color-reverse, crinkled-surface taffeta.

Bucol, France, showed an elegant line with prints that are splattered, melting, blurred or
paintbrush-stroked. Colors are subtle.

Jacquard weaver Stephen Walters & Sons Ltd., England, showed handwoven effects,
understated textures and patterns, touches of luster or metal and soft mélange colors.

Fantasy knits at Jackytex S.p.A., Italy, are light and liquid, and include fringe, chenille,
shiny printed laminates and double gauzes. Knits at Texdam, Spain, are crinkled, puckered or open;
and include eyelet embroideries, diagonal stripes and placed patterns.

Techno specialist Mectex S.p.A. produces all of its fabrics in Italy. Nylon stretch cloqué
and ultra-sheer taffeta with a soft or crisp hand were pointed out. Performance features include
bistretch, moisture transport/absorbency, antibacterial function, and flame retardation.

Komatsu Seiren Co. Ltd., Japan, showed a 7-denier, 11-grams-per-square-meter transparent
woven polyester fabric with reflective luster.

At Texworld, Rieter Machine Works, Switzerland, presented possibilities available using its
textile machinery. Fabrics and garments on display were created using yarns spun on new ComforJet®
equipment.

Many Texworld exhibitors are vertical manufacturers. Many are also garment manufacturers.
Nishat Mills Ltd., Pakistan, sells stretch denim woven with Invista T400® elastic fiber. There are
soft sugar finishes.

Techno finishes at Alok Industries, India, offer soil-release, antibacterial and
insect-repellent properties on cotton/silk knits, fine yarn-dyed dobbies and herringbone shirtings
that have been gas-finished. Some fabrics are knitted or woven of organic cotton.

At Bordo Tekstil, Turkey, organic and Pima cottons, linen and bamboo are fibers of choice.
Fabrics include silky-touch twills; jacquard interlocks; and jersey for T-shirts, dresses and
intimates.

Hangzhou Zhongsang, China, a dyer and finisher of casual and outerwear fabrics, is selling
ottomans, twills and poplins. China-based Jiangsu Textile Industry (Group) Import & Export Co.
Ltd. showed jacquards, piqués, interlocks, fleeces and basket textures knitted with cotton/spandex,
Modal, Tencel, bamboo viscose and polyester.



May/June 2009

Kornit Offers New Dark Polyester Printing

Kornit Digital Ltd. – an Israel-based developer, manufacturer and marketer of digital printing
solutions for the apparel industry – has introduced a method of using its existing ink technology
and automatic wetting solution process to print on 100-percent dark polyester and dark polyester
performance fabrics. According to Kornit, the application allows for high-quality dark polyester
prints including variable data prints for sportswear, collegewear and other applications.

Kornit will present Dark Polyester Printing for the first time at Fespa Digital 2009, to be
held May 12-14 in Amsterdam. The Dark Polyester Software Application will be available May 15.



May/June 2009

TIEHH Unveils New Nonwovens And Advanced Materials Lab

The Institute of Environmental and Human Health (TIEHH) at Lubbock, Texas-based Texas Tech
University has opened a 4,000-square-foot fabric laboratory to house research and development of
nonwovens-based products for military and civilian use. Launched on April 6, the Nonwovens and
Advanced Materials Laboratory features an air-conditioning and humidification system, contoured
needlezone needlepunching technology and thermalbonding capabilities.

“We are exclusive in the way we’re set up here with the unique needlepunch nonwoven
technology and access to cotton,” said TIEHH Director Ron Kendall. “This technology has been used
successfully to develop products such as our nonwoven decontamination wipe, Fibertect™. The need
for decontamination wipes, such as the kind we’ve created here at TIEHH, were a top priority for
the Department of Defense. Years ago, we began the research, developed a product and met a top
national security issue. Now we’re going to continue that research with this laboratory.”

Fibertect technology, developed by TIEHH associate professor and lab manager Seshadri
Ramkumar, can be used to create products using a range of fibers to suit various requirements and
uses. In a recent evaluation of several decontamination products, the Lawrence Livermore National
Laboratory tested a Fibertect wipe featuring an activated carbon core sandwiched between a layer of
absorbent polyester and one of absorbent cellulose. When tested with mustard gas and other toxic
chemicals, results revealed Fibertect out-performed 30 other decontamination products, including
those materials currently used in military kits.

“One of the main focuses of this lab will be used to develop new products from cotton and
wool, such as thermal and acoustic insulation pads, and automotive and defense textiles,” Ramkumar
said. “Our aim is to find value-added applications for products made of cotton grown on the High
Plains.”

May/June 2009

Report Shows Continuing Problems With Intellectual Property Rights Protection

The US government’s annual special report on the adequacy and effectiveness of intellectual
property rights protection (IPR) shows some improvements among US trading partners, but for the
first time Canada is on the Priority Watch List, and problems continue with China, Russia and a
number of other countries.

The report reviewed trade with 77 nations, with 46 being placed on the Priority Watch List or
a lower-level monitoring list. The US Trade Representative (USTR) said 12 countries on the Priority
Watch List will be “the subject of particularly intense engagement through bilateral discussions
during the coming year.”

Underscoring the importance of the report, USTR Ron Kirk said: “As US rights holders,
businesses and workers suffer losses from international piracy, counterfeiting and other forms of
IPR theft, the Special 301 Report  provides a critical policy tool for focusing on urgent
problems that undermine one of America’s great strengths in the global economy – our
innovation  and creativity. In this time of economic uncertainty, we need to redouble our
efforts to work with all of our trading partners – even our closest allies and neighbors such as
Canada – to enhance protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in the context of a
rules-based trading system.”

For the first time, Canada was added to the priority list, reflecting increasing concern
about the need for copyright reform as well as border protection.

While noting that China and Russia have shown “some evidence of improvement,” Kirk said, “I
am particularly troubled by reports that Chinese officials are urging more lenient enforcement of
IPR laws, motivated by the financial crisis and the need to maintain jobs.” He added that China
needs to strengthen its approach to IPR protection and enforcement, not weaken it. With respect to
Russia, Kirk said the United States is committed to ensuring that Russia fulfills its promises to
improve its IPR protection and enforcement regimes as part of a bilateral agreement with the United
States.

Algeria and Indonesia were added to the Priority Watch List, reflecting growing concerns
about IPR protection in those countries, but South Korea was removed from the Watch List in view of
what the USTR said were “significant improvements” made during the past year. This marks the first
time that Korea has not been on the Watch List or the Priority Watch List.

In addition to Canada, Russia, China, Algeria and Indonesia, other countries on the Priority
Watch List are Argentina, Chile, India, Israel, Pakistan, Thailand, and Venezuela.

 

In a filing with the USTR, the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) said footwear
and apparel amounted to 38 percent and 9 percent, respectively, of the total value of counterfeit
products seized by US Customs officials last year. The association said last year Chinese
counterfeit products accounted for 81 percent of the total value of all goods seized by Customs.

AAFA President and CEO Kevin Burke said: “IPR infringements in China run the gamut in the
apparel and footwear industry with copyright and trademark infringement as two leading areas of
concern.” He also cited counterfeit labels and packaging, manufacturing of counterfeit products and
retail counterfeit trade as problems. He called for criminal and civil justice reform and better
customs training.



May 5, 2009

TIEHH’s Decontamination Wipe Creation Process Receives Patent

The Institute of Environmental and Human Health (TIEHH) at Lubbock, Texas-based Texas Tech
University (TTU) has received a US patent for its process used to create nonwoven toxic chemical
decontamination wipes such as Fibertect™.  The technology was invented by Seshadri Ramkumar –
an associate professor in TIEHH’s Nonwovens and Advanced Materials Laboratory – and a team of
scientists.

“This is an important milestone in the commercial development of the product and will aid
our partner, Hobbs Bonded Fiber, in its marketing and sales efforts,” said David Miller, vice
chancellor of TTU’s Office of Technology Commercialization, which licensed the technology to Waco,
Texas-based Hobbs.

“The process for which the patent has been issued focuses on a multilayered wipe with a
unique fabric structure, which can wipe liquid and vapor toxins,” Ramkumar said. “Also, it lends
itself to the use of cotton and other fibers, depending on the need. The wipe can be used on human
skin and military equipment.”

May 5, 2009

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