CRAiLAR Technologies Inc, which produces and markets CRAiLAR, a natural fiber made from flax and other bast fibers, has entered a development agreement with Cotswold Industries Inc. to encompass sustainable pocketing and waist banding for its branded apparel customers. Cotswold affiliate Central Textiles, in Central S.C., will be the primary conduit for the processing and weaving of CRAiLAR Flax Fiber for the product line.
"We continue to identify new market opportunities for CRAiLAR that fit into both long-term category opportunities and increased brand awareness," said Ken Barker, CEO of CRAiLAR Technologies. "Cotswold is exactly that kind of partner in terms of its work with global brands, its specialization in the area we are developing with the company, and the opportunity to grow therein."
"We are excited to help develop and market such a truly sustainable, high strength and versatile fiber into our mass market channels," said James McKinnon, CEO of Cotswold Industries. "Partnering with CRAiLAR fits perfectly within our corporate strategy to be a leader in environmentally conscious textile manufacturing."
About Cotswold Industries
Cotswold Industries is a privately held, family owned company that provides textiles for industrial, nonwovens, and apparel and technical applications. It is supplier to dozens of brands including Levi Strauss & Co., VF Corporation, Abercrombie & Fitch, Eddie Bauer, JC Penney, True Religion and Lands End. It was founded in 1954 and its headquarters are in New York City. It can be found online at cotswoldindustries.com.
About CRAiLAR Technologies Inc.
CRAiLAR Technologies Inc., previously Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc., offers cost-effective and environmentally sustainable natural fiber in the form of flax, hemp and other bast fibers for use in textile, industrial, energy, medical and composite material applications. Produced using a fraction of water and chemical inputs compared with other natural fibers, CRAiLAR Flax is the newest natural fiber introduction to the market in decades.
The Company supplies its CRAiLAR Flax to HanesBrands, Georgia-Pacific, Brilliant Global Knitwear, Tuscarora Yarns, Target Corp. and Kowa Company for commercial use and to Levi Strauss & Co., Cintas, Carhartt, Ashland, PVH Corp. and Lenzing for evaluation and development. The Company was founded in 1998 as a provider of environmentally friendly, socially responsible clothing.
