Innovation in Textiles News: Hanesbarands enters final phase in CRAiLAR commercialization

27 April 2010, Portland, OR - Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc. (NAT) and Hanesbrands Inc. have jointly reviewed the results of their CRAiLAR Organic Fibers spinning trials and agreed to enter the final stage of their joint development agreement, which is expected to result in a commercialization agreement in the near future. Commenting on the results of recent trials, Ken Barker, CEO of NAT said: “We are well on our way to achieving full blown production of CRAiLAR in 2010.”

The technology is said to allow the spinning of hemp, flax and other bast fibres into sustainable yarns which can compete and be blended with fibres such as cotton. NAT recently completed its full scale commercial processing trials in Germany and replicated the trials at the G.J. Littlewood & Son processing facility in Pennsylvania (see below). Spinning trials, which were conducted at Patrick Yarns in Kings Mountain, NC, are said to have verified the commercial quality and volume capabilities of CRAiLAR to be spun with finer yarn weights blended with 80% cotton and 20% CRAiLAR.

“The CRAiLAR Organic Fibers trial results exceeded our expectations, and we are eager to move forward to determine the size and scope necessary for volume production,” said Mike Faircloth Senior Vice President , Global Supply Chain Support of Hanesbrands Inc. “The impressive characteristics of CRAiLAR Organic Fibers could potentially deliver both economic and environmental benefits to our knit apparel offerings.”

Ken Barker, CEO of Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc. stated, “Our successful commercial quality and volume spinning trials have solidified the commercialization potential for CRAiLAR Organic Fibers. We will be working closely with Hanesbrands to conduct a consumer and economic analysis, including the development of commercially viable supply chain, economic, marketing and branding strategies, which will determine the scale necessary to produce CRAiLAR at commercial levels.”

NAT and Hanesbrands, Inc. entered a multi-phase joint development agreement in 2009 to commercialize CRAiLAR Organic Fibers, allowing the technology to be processed for use in commercial apparel knit products made by Hanesbrands. In January 2010, (NAT) received an order from Hanesbrands Inc. to deliver approximately 10,000 lbs of Crailar organic fibre during the first quarter of 2010.