| From: NOW | 9/21/2011 12:50:11 PM | | | | | | | asleep and having nightmares: nice bounce area might be 1.90's |
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| From: caly | 10/3/2011 11:51:05 AM | | | | | | Naturally Advanced Technologies and Carhartt Enter Into Development Agreement For CRAiLAR Flax Fiber
(OTCBB: NADVF.ob - News) (TSXV: NAT) today announced that it has entered into a short term CRAiLAR® Flax fiber development agreement with Carhartt beginning in September 2011 to support evaluation of processing CRAiLAR Flax fiber in premium grade work wear.
"Carhartt aligns perfectly with our current portfolio and we are excited to add them to our growing mix of partner brands," saidKen Barker, CEO of NAT. "Our testing to-date has demonstrated significant qualities that will be beneficial to the work wear market, including increased tensile strength, reduced shrinkage and high dye uptake that can reduce chemical usage. Perhaps most important is CRAiLAR's ability to wick moisture, which provides Carhartt with a performance advantage by ensuring consumers stay cooler in hot summer months. We look forward to demonstrating this during our development period with Carhartt."
Since March, NAT has signed development or purchasing agreements with HanesBrands, Georgia-Pacific, Levi Strauss & Company, Cintas Corporation, Ashland Inc., Westex, and Brilliant Global Knitwear.
About Carhartt, Inc
Established in 1889, Carhartt is a global premium work wear brand with a rich heritage of developing rugged apparel for workers on and off the job. Headquartered in Dearborn, Mich., with approximately 3,600 employees worldwide, Carhartt is privately owned and managed by the descendants of the company's founder, Hamilton Carhartt. For more information, visit www.carhartt.com. |
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| From: caly | 10/25/2011 9:48:41 PM | | | | | | biv.com
Tech company spins promising flax yarn
Levi Strauss and Hansebrands have signed deals with B.C. company whose enzyme process turns flax or hemp into a fibre similar to cotton
By Nelson Bennett
It’s the crude oil of the textile industry.
While it’s an almost ideal natural material for making clothing, cotton is costly to produce, grows only in tropical or subtropical climates and has a large environmental footprint due to the heavy irrigation and use of herbicides and pesticides needed to grow it.
“It’s one of the most destructive crops that we grow,” said Ken Barker, CEO of Naturally Advanced Technologies (TSX-V:NAT), which has developed an alternative to cotton called Crailar.
“The same mantra that we used to hear from the clean-tech industry back in 2008 – which was ‘Reduce my carbon footprint’ – now what we’re hearing is, ‘Reduce my cotton footprint.’”
Crailar is made from flax or hemp using an enzyme process developed by the National Research Council of Canada (NRCC) and licensed exclusively to Barker’s company.
The enzyme breaks down the lignin – the tough fibre in plants like flax, hemp and jute – leaving behind a soft material Barker claims is indistinguishable from cotton.
It is a game-changer, he said, because unlike cotton, flax and hemp can grow virtually anywhere in the world and don’t require intensive irrigation or pesticide use.
“This is the first natural fibre development in the world since cotton.”
Barker added that, aside from being easier to grow, flax is 10% to 15% cheaper to produce than cotton and shrinks less, absorbs dye better and wicks moisture.
Kelly Markle, general manager for Simplex Textiles in Toronto, said Canadian textilers would welcome any alternative to cotton that could be grown in Canada. Her company – which makes pillows, comforters and mattress pads – imports cotton from Pakistan, China and the U.S.
Because of flooding in Pakistan last year, cotton prices have more than doubled.
“If the cotton crop goes down, the cotton prices go through the roof,” she said. “If they can do it and process it in Canada, that would be brilliant, because Canada doesn’t grow cotton.”
NAT had its start in Vancouver as Hemptown Clothing. Jason Finnis and his wife, Larisa Harrison, started the company in 1998 while still in university.
They sold clothing made from various eco-friendly materials. It was the company’s hemp clothing – and hemp’s association with the marijuana plant – that made it tough for the company to gain credibility.
“I was certainly not taken seriously,” said Finnis, who added that it’s gratifying to see the company now clinching deals with clothing giants like Hanesbrands Inc. and Levi Strauss & Co.
Finnis, who is now NAT’s chief innovation officer, worked closely with the NRCC while it was developing an enzyme process – similar to one used in the pulp and paper industry – to break down plant fibre lignin.
Barker, the former head of apparel for Adidas North America, joined the company in 2006 as CEO. He closed Hemptown Clothing in 2009 to focus the company’s efforts on marketing Crailar and raising investment.
NAT was listed on the TSX Venture exchange in 2009, and in July the company raised $13 million through public offering.
NAT employs 12 people, and recently moved its headquarters to Victoria from Vancouver.
In addition to Hanesbrands and Levi Strauss & Co., the company has signed a supply agreement with Georgia Pacific, which makes napkins, paper towels and bathroom tissue.
Hanesbrands will be using a blend of Crailar and cotton, and plans to start selling athletic socks using the material in 2012.
NAT is installing a processing plant in Kingstree, South Carolina, capable of producing 650,000 pounds of Crailar per week.
“Flax is a winter crop in South Carolina, in very close proximity to all the spinning facilities that feed Hanesbrands and the rest of our partners, so strategically it makes a lot of sense to do it down there,” Barker said. “All that facility needs to do is get to 50% capacity and we go cash-flow positive. Our projection for next year is that our revenue would be somewhere in the $18 million range.”
In addition to its plant in South Carolina, NAT plans to build a processing facility in either Manitoba or Saskatchewan, where 1.5 million pounds of flax is grown annually for the oilseed industry. The straw is either burned or ploughed back into the ground, which means NAT will be using a resource that is currently going to waste.
The company’s current manufacturing capacity is between 20,000 and 40,000 pounds per week.
It plans to ramp that up to 650,000 pounds per week next year and 3.5 million pounds per week within three years.
Over the next three years, NAT plans to build two plants per year, each employing about 40 people. Initially, the company will focus on making Crailar fibre from flax. Hemp will be used to make clothing that requires durability (uniforms, protective-wear, and denim).
It’s illegal to grow hemp in the U.S., but it’s grown in small amounts in Western Canada.
Barker believes that, in addition to Crailar textiles from hemp, there’s also a market for hemp oil, which can be used as a bio-fuel.
“It needs an industry like this to get it to any kind of scale.” • |
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| From: caly | 12/1/2011 10:17:10 AM | | | | | | Naturally Advanced Technologies Signs Exclusive Deal with National Retail Partner for CRAiLAR Flax in
New Fiber Expected to Bolster Sustainability of Products
VANCOUVER, BC and PORTLAND, OR , Dec. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc. (NAT) (OTCBB: NADVF.OB - News) (TSXV: NAT.V - News) announced it has entered into a development and supply agreement with Target (NYSE: TGT - News) to evaluate the use of its CRAiLAR Flax fiber in Target's domestic textiles category beginning December 1 . The agreement includes two years of exclusivity in the category and calls for Target's evaluation of CRAiLAR Flax in a number of products including sheets, top of bed, shower curtains, window treatments, table linens, decorative pillows, towels, and more.
"Target represents a best-in-class partner for CRAiLAR in the domestic textiles category," said Ken Barker , CEO of Naturally Advanced Technologies. "Also the fiber's performance in moisture management, shrinkage reduction, and dye chemical savings is in line with Target's sustainability efforts."
The proprietary CRAiLAR enzymatic process, developed by Vancouver -based NAT in conjunction with the National Research Council of Canada , turns natural bast fibers—such as flax, hemp, jute, and kenaf - into soft, finished textiles that are as comfortable as cotton, but more durable and eco-friendly. The result is a product that can integrate with existing technology for spinning, weaving, or forming fabric, which can be used across categories such as apparel, footwear, work wear, and domestic textiles. Additionally, CRAiLAR can be used for a number of industrial applications. This year, NAT has announced commercialization or development agreements for CRAiLAR Flax fiber with HanesBrands, Georgia -Pacific, Levi Strauss & Co., Cintas, Carhartt, Ashland , Westex and Brilliant Global Knitwear.
About Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc.
Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc. develops renewable and environmentally sustainable biomass resources from flax, hemp and other bast fibers. The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, CRAiLAR® Fiber Technologies Inc., has developed proprietary technologies for production of bast fibers, cellulose pulp, and their resulting by-products in collaboration with Canada's National Research Council . CRAiLAR technology offers cost-effective and environmentally sustainable processing and production of natural, bast fibers 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. For more information, visit www.naturallyadvanced.com. |
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| From: caly | 2/22/2012 3:08:21 PM | | | | | | naturallyadvanced.com
February 22, 2012
Naturally Advanced Technologies Named to the 2012 TSX Venture 50
Ranked 4th in the Clean Tech Sector
Victoria, B.C. and Portland, Ore. (February 22, 2012) - Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc. ("NAT" or the "Company") (TSXV: NAT) (OTCBB: NADVF), which produces and markets CRAiLAR®, a natural fiber made from flax and other bast fibers, announced that TSX Venture Exchange has named the Company to its 2012 TSX Venture 50, a list assembled based on quantitative measurement of top performing publicly traded companies on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). NAT was ranked fourth in Clean Tech sector.
The 2011 TSX Venture 50 is comprised of ten companies from each of five sectors: Clean Technology, Mining, Oil & Gas, Diversified Industries, and Technology & Life Sciences. The companies were chosen based on the following criteria with equal weight: share price appreciation, market capitalization growth, trading volume, and analyst coverage.
"It is a testament to the team and to our partners that we maintained a position among the TSX Venture 50 for the second consecutive year," said Guy Prevost, CFO of NAT. "The past year saw several significant milestones that laid the foundation for the future of NAT, and we anticipate being able to deliver additional milestones in the coming year that will continue to allow the company to make an impact in the world of natural fibers."
The company's performance against TSX Venture 50 criteria for the period closing December 2010 to closing December 2011 included:
- Price per share increase of 60% (C$1.40 to C$2.24)
- Market cap increase of 89% (C$47.3 million to C$90.1 million)
- A trading volume increase of 310% over 2010
- Initiation of coverage by Cormark Securities
NAT has developed the CRAiLAR process, which successfully removes the binding agents from flax that contribute to its stiff texture, and produces a fiber that has both the tensile strength and performance benefits of flax, and the comfort qualities of cotton. |
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| From: caly | 3/1/2012 1:55:29 PM | | | | | | Big move on 27,000 shares traded so far today.
2.69  0.44(19.56%) |
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| From: caly | 3/5/2012 3:15:32 PM | | | | | | Big news on the cotton front:
India bans cotton exports, global prices jump
in.reuters.com
Interesting stats on cotton production...
Cotton Production by Country in 1000 480 lb. Bales
indexmundi.com
Cotton Production Annual Growth Rate by Country (scroll all the way to the bottom for the U.S.)
indexmundi.com |
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| From: caly | 3/13/2012 1:01:57 PM | | | | | | Naturally Advanced Announces Key Developments in Production of CRAiLAR  Press Release: Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc. – 6 hours ago
Optimization of Production Process Leads to 40 Percent Reduction in Cycle Time and Opportunity for Third-Party Manufacturing
New Manufacturing Partnership Reached with Tintoria Piana
New NAT Facility Leased in Florence County, South Carolina, Governor Nikki Haley Welcomes Company to the StateVICTORIA, BC and PORTLAND , OR, March 13, 2012 /CNW/ - Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc. ("NAT" or the "Company") (TSXV: NAT.V - News) (OTCBB: NADVF.OB - News), which produces and markets CRAiLAR®, a natural fiber made from flax and other bast fibers, announced key developments this week toward advancing its first full phase of production in order to supply its CRAiLAR fiber to global partners.
Step Change Increases Capacity, Opens Opportunity for Third-Party Manufacturing
In 2011, the Company embarked on a yearlong effort to optimize production of its CRAiLAR technology. The resulting process improvements effectively reduce the enzymatic process time by 40 percent, thereby significantly reducing the overall CRAiLAR fiber cycle time. This reduction in process time significantly increases production capacity in each planned manufacturing facility. More critically, the CRAiLAR optimization allowed NAT to evaluate third-party manufacturing partners for that process, which will further increase overall production volume and accelerate growth of its flagship product, CRAiLAR Flax fiber.
"This milestone is the culmination of the last year's efforts of our innovations team, led by Jason Finnis, our CIO," said Ken Barker , CEO of NAT. "Intended as a strategic initiative that would maximize the volume capability of our first facility this year, it's now apparent that the improvements in efficiency and resultant economics of our CRAiLAR process allows us to consider third party manufacturing as a critical option in our expansion plans."
Partnership Inked with Tintoria Piana
As a result of this optimized process, Tintoria Piana entered into an agreement to execute the CRAiLAR enzymatic process exclusively for NAT, augmenting the Company's plans for manufacturing capacity. The agreement calls for Tintoria to commence production in Q2 2012. Tintoria's history in textiles dates to 1582 in Biella, Italy . The privately held, family-owned business has dyed fiber for the traditional apparel business for more than 60 years, and operates principally out of Cartersville, Georgia in North America .
"This move would be consistent with most other branded global industries, where outsourced manufacturing allows for faster expansion of the technology proposition and resulting brand message for our partners, while significantly reducing the capital requirements to scale up to meet demand," Barker added.
New Facility Leased in Florence County, South Carolina, Governor Nikki Haley Welcomes Company to the State
Additionally, NAT plans to open a facility in the 143,500 square foot Delta Mills Cypress plant on Old River Road in Pamplico, South Carolina. An initial USD $8 million investment that will create 25 jobs is expected as part of the Company's establishment of production facilities there. Flax, grown as a winter crop in Florence and surrounding counties, will be processed out of NAT's new facility in Pamplico, S.C.
"We are constantly working to bring investments and jobs to all areas of our state, but it's always exciting to see a company invest in one of South Carolina's rural areas. We celebrate Naturally Advanced Technologies decision to locate in Pamplico and create 25 new jobs," said South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley .
NAT finalized plans this week for a long-term lease with an option to purchase the building, and its full execution is contingent upon tax and job creation incentives in review with Florence County. A first hearing took place on February 16 and a second is scheduled for March 15 . A final environmental and incentives review is scheduled for hearing on April 19 and would complete the process. The South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a set aside grant for $263,500 for building upfit and job development credits, which will be available when hiring targets are met.
"South Carolina has a strong history in the textile, advanced materials and agribusiness sectors, and today's announcement builds on all three. Every one of these jobs will have an impact in Pamplico and we appreciate Naturally Advanced Technologies' decision to do business in South Carolina," said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt .
"On behalf of the State of South Carolina, I would like to congratulate Naturally Advanced Technologies for their commitment to Florence County. As the State Senator and a resident of Florence County, I am thrilled to see another new capital investment and an increase in jobs. This company has enormous growth potential here in South Carolina," said state Senator Hugh K. Leatherman .
NAT's 2011 business activities included purchasing agreements with HanesBrands, Georgia-Pacific and Brilliant Global Knitwear, along with development agreements with Levi Strauss & Co., Cintas, Carhartt, Ashland, Westex, and Target. The first commercial result, with Hanes, received recognition this month.
"We are proud to see our investments and hard work beginning to pay off in the form of the production of CRAiLAR for commercial use. We're particularly excited that Hanesbrands, our first production partner for CRAiLAR, is being recognized this month for its sustainability efforts by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and that it cited the use of our flax fiber in its EcoSmart socks, which will be available at retail in April."
"We thank the State of South Carolina, Florence County, and all those who helped to establish the Company's presence in South Carolina," said Barker. "The establishment of our first full-scale production facility, alongside our new partnership in neighboring Georgia through Tintoria, gives us a foothold in one of the most important agricultural and manufacturing regions in North America . We look forward to further establishing our commercial, agricultural and civic partnerships there." |
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