Naturally Advanced Technologies (NAT) has inked a short-term agreement with PVH in order to evaluate the development of CRAiLAR Flax fiber.
According to the contract signed, the processing of CRAiLAR Flax fiber in sports shirt and dress lines, which include Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Bass, Van Heusen, ARROW and IZOD, will be evaluated. The agreement will commence by this month.
The CEO of NAT, Ken Barker stated that the focus of PVH on dress shirts will offer an incredible opportunity for NAT to showcase the performance of CRAiLAR Flax fiber’s range. NAT is expecting that the previous evaluation, which demonstrated increased uptake of dye, decreased shrinkage, increased tensile strength, and moisture wicking properties, will show performance benefits in this category, he said.
According to PVH's environmental policy, the company is looking for measures that reduce environmental issues regarding the output of harmful chemicals, wastewater treatment, usage of water, and environmental stewardship in its supply chain.
PVH’s CEO and Chairman, Emanuel Chirico commented that PVH is delighted about the addition of this new all-natural fiber to its range of products. PVH has signed this contract, having a trust that the CRAiLAR process can help the company to achieve the objectives of progressive environmental standards that include overall responsible usage of water, and reduction of harmful chemical waste considerably in air and water and in inputs from farmland to end-use products.
The CRAiLAR method of NAT manufactures a natural soft flax-based fiber, which can be mixed together with wool, cotton and other natural fibers at different levels. This fiber production has allowed the partner brands to decrease usage of chemicals and water at the manufacturing phases and agriculture, and lessen shrinkage.
NAT is providing its CRAiLAR Flax to Brilliant Global Knitwear, Georgia-Pacific, and HanesBrands for commercial usage.
Source: http://www.naturallyadvanced.com/