Nomex® is an inherently flame-resistant, high-temperature fiber that will not melt, drip or
support combustion in air. It also delivers outstanding resistance to a broad range of chemicals
and is offered in paper, felt, fabric and fiber forms.

Nomex brand fiber is used across a diverse range of applications, but it is perhaps best
known as a critical component in protective apparel. Today, more than three million firefighters
around the world are protected by turnout gear, stationwear and accessories made of Nomex due to
its unique combination of flame protection, durability and mobility. Nomex also is used in apparel
worn by military pilots and combat vehicle crew; auto racing drivers, pit crew members and track
officials; and industrial workers at risk from flash fire and electric arc hazards. Troops in Iraq
are being outfitted with Nomex apparel to protect them from burns caused by roadside bombs, one of
the greatest threats to American troops.

“The world is a safer and more energy efficient place as a result of Nomex and its
innovative applications. Over four decades, the Nomex brand has become synonymous with safety and
protection. We continue to invest aggressively in the development of new Nomex applications to help
solve the world’s evolving needs,” said William J. Harvey, vice president and general manager —
DuPont Advanced Fibers Systems.

DuPont introduced Nomex in woven and non-woven forms in 1967. While Nomex grew out of
fundamental R&D work done by Paul Morgan and Stephanie Kwolek, Wilfred Sweeny unveiled the
discoveries leading to the final development of Nomex at the DuPont Experimental Station in
Wilmington, Del., the company’s global R&D headquarters. Building on the earlier research,
Sweeny found a way to make a high-molecular-weight product that could be spun into a tough
crystallizable fiber (later named Nomex) which possessed outstanding thermal and flame-resistant
properties. In 2002, Sweeny was recognized for his contributions with a Lavoisier Medal, the
highest honor of science excellence awarded by DuPont.

Committed to continuing to deliver innovation and strong customer service, DuPont last year
announced a $100 million global expansion plan to increase worldwide capacity for Nomex and support
exciting new applications including:

* Wind Power — Expanded Nomex applications, providing solutions for the growing use of wind
power in countries like Spain and China

* DuPont Nomex Limitedwear for Military — A lightweight, limited- use garment designed as
specified by the military to help protect soldiers from flash fires.

* Selective Permeable Membrane (SPM) Technology — DuPont is working with the U.S. Army
Soldier System Center in Natick, Mass., on new lightweight suits featuring DuPont’s SPM technology,
which will help protect front line defenders from chemical and biological agents.

* DuPont Tychem ThermoPro — A single garment that combines flash fire and chemical
protection.

In addition to its use in protective apparel, Nomex(R) brand paper has been providing
high-performance electrical insulation for motors, transformers and generators for decades. The
electrical, mechanical and thermal properties offered by Nomex(R) help extend the life of
electrical equipment, as well as reduce premature failures and repairs. Honeycomb of Nomexpaper is
used for lightweight structural support and helps substantially improve the performance of most
commercial aircraft. Nomex paper can also be found in consumer appliances, industrial equipment and
transportation equipment such as high- speed trains.

DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts
science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for
people everywhere.

Operating in more than 70 countries and regions, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative
products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction;
communications; and transportation. The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont, The miracles of science, Nomex
and Tychem are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.

Pantone will contribute its color and trend know-how to the effort, while Clariant will
supply its worldwide network of colorant and application technology experts. Users of the
1,925-color Pantone® Fashion + Home Color System will have access to Clariant’s expertise, enabling
them to match any color in the system accurately and efficiently, and reduce color development
times and related management costs by half or more.

“There is a great deal of synergy between Pantone and Clariant that enables us to
dramatically improve the color development process with a variety of new tools, technologies and
support services,” said Lisa Herbert, executive vice president, Pantone. “Through this partnership,
we are now able to provide tools and services for every aspect of the design process from
inspiration through production, empowering our customers to maintain the integrity of their
creative vision.”

At a Capitol Hill news conference, members of the congressional coalition did not lay out
any specific agenda, but they are calling for more congressional involvement and oversight on trade
matters. They said they will be playing an active role in the proposed extension of the president’s
trade promotion authority (TPA), promoting overseas labor standards, addressing currency
manipulation and “ensuring that the American work force can compete in global markets.”

The Washington-based American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition (AMTAC) endorsed the
coalition’s call for new directions in trade, and called for a “comprehensive approach” to a number
of trade issues likely to come before Congress this year. AMTAC’s list of priorities includes TPA
extension, which it opposes; action on currency manipulation addressing the problem of value-added
tax rebates in other countries; and the South Korean free trade agreement (FTA) currently being
negotiated. AMTAC has been urging the US government to use access to the US market as leverage to
open more overseas markets for US goods.

The Washington-based US Business and Industry Council (USBIC) — which represents some 1,500
small and medium-sized companies — strongly supports the coalition, saying its legislative goals
could ensure the survival of US manufacturing. USBIC joined other organizations in attacking
currency manipulation, value-added tax rebates and extension of TPA; and went even further by
calling for a moratorium on additional FTAs.

“This decision is in no way a reflection on the efforts of our employees,” said Phillip
Young, vice president, human resources. “Plant #10 has always been considered a premier operation
for the company, and we want to thank our dedicated employees for their service.”

Operating as Springs Creative Products Group LLC with the trade name Springs Creative, the
company — which sells sewing and craft fabrics, and specialty and licensed products to regional and
national retail customers — will retain its distribution center as well as its design, sales and
marketing offices in Rock Hill, S.C.

According to Crandall Close Bowles, co-chairman and co-CEO, Springs Global, Springs Creative
was operating as a somewhat independent niche business within Springs Global. “We believe this sale
will allow Creative Products to better control its destiny and grow,” she said.

The technology provides the most efficient barrier to pet dander, dust mites, pollen, fungal
spores, viral allergens and most microscopic allergens, according to the companies. The new line of
bedding protection offers 95-percent efficiency after more than 50 washings.

The framework is intended to provide a flexible, practical system for assessing possible
environmental, health and safety risks related to nanoscale materials; and for documenting and
communicating methods and parameters to deal with those risks. “We believe that the adoption of the
Framework can promote responsible development of nanotechnology products, facilitate public
acceptance, and support the formulation of a practical model for reasonable government policy on
nanotechnology safety,” the draft framework states.

Environmental Defense and DuPont began their collaboration to develop the framework in
September 2005, putting together a multidisciplinary team comprised of experts from both
organizations in the fields of science, medicine, law, occupational safety and health, product
development and business development. The team received initial feedback from government, academic,
private-business and public-interest sectors; and incorporated that input into the draft framework.
They are currently pilot-testing the framework on a range of materials and applications, and they
are welcoming additional input, including any feedback from companies developing nanotechnology and
related products in the textile sector, in order to broaden its scope. The deadline for submitting
feedback is March 30.