Aug 3 2010
Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc. (NAT, OTC Bulletin Board: NADVF, TSXV: NAT) announced today that CRAiLAR ® Organic fibers, the foundation for a truly sustainable yarn in the apparel industry, has been approved for the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Textile Auxiliary Agents, or chemical input, certification, being recognized as using only the cleanest and least toxic ingredients in their (wet) processing.
The certification indicates that CRAiLAR Organic Fibers uses only GOTS approved chemical inputs (auxiliary agents) in their processes. The issuing organization, OneCert, evaluates specific criteria regarding prohibited substances and restricted inputs, such as genetically modified organisms and formaldehyde, as well as the risk and toxicity for substances used in all stages of production.
"Naturally Advanced Technologies is committed to maintaining the highest standards of environmental responsibility in the textile market," said Ken Barker, CEO, Naturally Advanced Technologies. "Obtaining the most stringent and well-respected certification with the GOTS Chemical Input standards validates our process and work to date. CRAiLAR has always been eco sound; now we have certification confirming it."
The Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) is a collaborative effort between the Organic Trade Association, Soil Association, Internal Association Natural Textile Industry (IVN) and Japan Organic Cotton Association (JOCA). The GOTS were developed to unify organic standards within the textile industry so manufacturers can market products to different countries under one certification that is recognized and acceptable in all major markets around the world.
CRAiLAR Organic Fibers are made from bast fibers, such as hemp and flax, long known as some of the most sustainable, renewable, environmentally sound crops in existence. The all-natural CRAiLAR process bathes these fibers in a proprietary enzyme wash that transforms their stiff, rough filaments into soft textile fibers that retain their strength and durability but have the texture of organic cotton. The patented CRAiLAR technology was developed by Naturally Advanced Technologies in collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada.