Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc. (NAT) has announced it has entered into a short term CRAiLAR Flax fibre development agreement with Levi Strauss & Co. Commencing April 2011 to support evaluation of processing CRAiLAR flax fibre in woven casual apparel products, specifically denim and non-denim, bottom and top weight fabrics.

"Levi's and Dockers are the quintessential denim and casual wear brands," said Ken Barker, CEO of NAT. "We are very excited to be working with a company like Levi's because it aligns with our broad strategic goal of identifying and partnering with the most important brands in categories upon which we believe we can make the greatest impact. I have great confidence in the ability of CRAiLAR to make a performance and economic impact for Levi's products."

Last month, NAT announced a 10-year purchasing agreement with Hanesbrands, the first commercialization agreement for its CRAiLAR flax fibre. The company also recently announced a short term purchasing agreement with Georgia-Pacific to further evaluate the use of CRAiLAR in formed materials.

NAT develops renewable and environmentally sustainable biomass resources from flax, hemp and other bast fibres. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, CRAiLAR Fiber Technologies Inc., it has developed proprietary technologies for production of bast fibres, cellulose pulp, and their resulting by-products in collaboration with Canada's National Research Council.

CRAiLAR technology is said to offer cost-effective and environmentally sustainable processing and production of natural, bast fibres resulting in increased performance characteristics for use in textile, industrial, energy, medical and composite material applications. The company was founded in 1998 as a provider of environmentally friendly, socially responsible clothing.