North Carolina-based company, Hanesbrands, and Naturally Advanced Technologies have entered into a 10-year supply contract to commercialize Naturally Advanced Technologies’ patented flax-based fiber called CRAiLAR fibers.
CRAILAR Flax Fiber
CRAiLAR fibers have a similar color like cotton and exhibit the same performance properties. However, CRAiLAR fibers have better moisture absorption property and do not shrink as much as cotton. With better dye absorption feature, the fibers need fewer amounts of chemicals to attain the same intensity of color.
The all-natural CRAiLAR method is the first process to eliminate the binding agents from flax that lends it a stiff texture by washing it in a patented enzyme bath. The resulting fiber has the reliability and strength of flax with most of the properties of cotton. The CRAiLAR fiber-based yarns can be utilized in woven or non-woven fabrics and in knit fabrics independently. In addition, the yarns can be mixed with other natural fibers to produce apparel goods similar to those supplied by Hanesbrands.
The latest deal is the part of a multiphase joint development deal declared in August 2009 with the plan to commercialize CRAiLAR. Hanesbrands purchased 10,000 lbs of CRAiLAR in the Q1of 2010. The company declared a final testing phase in the Q2 of 2010 after successful spinning trials. Hanesbrands and Naturally Advanced Technologies declared an extra product testing in December 2010. The former firm purchased the CRAiLAR Flax fiber worth up to $375,000 from December 1, 2010 to the beginning of 2011.