Naturally Advanced Technologies (NAT), a developer of renewable and sustainable biomass resources from hemp, flax and other bast fibers, and Westex, an Illinios-based company having over 50 years of experience in the manufacturing of flame resistant fabrics, have signed a short-term development contract for CRAiLAR Flax fiber. Based on the contract, assessment of processing CRAiLAR Flax fiber for use in Westex’s products starts in September 2011.
The collaboration with Westex provides a significant opportunity for NAT to evaluate CRAiLAR technology as a standard ingredient and as an apparel used across several commercial and industrial sectors where flame resistance is considered as an important feature. The fabric products from Westex are used in ferrous metals, military, chemical, petrochemical, oil and gas, electric and gas utilities and electrical maintenance industries. Thus, the contract represents the diverse applications of CRAiLAR fiber and its ability to increase performance in those specific categories.
Starting from March 2011, NAT has entered into development or purchasing agreements with Ashland, Cintas, Levi Strauss, Georgia-Pacific and HanesBrands.
NAT along with its subsidiary, CRAiLAR Fiber Technologies has developed technologies for producing cellulose pulp and bast fibers. CRAiLAR fiber technology enables processing and production of bast fibers in an economical and environmentally sustainable way. This results in enhanced performance attributes for applications in composite material, medical, energy, industrial and textile markets.