Published:
Naturally Advanced announces CRAILAR(R) Advanced Materials Dissolving Pulp test results
PORTLAND, OR, July 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Naturally Advanced
Technologies Inc. ("NAT" or the "Company"), a developer of proprietary
technologies for the processing and production of environmentally sustainable
natural fibers and materials, today announced recent test results for its
CRAILAR(R) Advanced Materials Dissolving Pulp.
CRAILAR(R) Advanced Materials Dissolving Pulp Results
The Company recently tested CRAILAR(R) Advanced Materials Dissolving Pulp
with technology development partner the Alberta Research Council ofEdmonton,
Alberta, Canada. Test results indicate that the Company's CRAILAR(R)
technology produces a very high grade dissolving pulp with high Viscosity,
Brightness and Alpha Cellulose values, and low Ash Content and Acetone
Extractives. CRAILAR(R) Advanced Materials Dissolving Pulp was determined to
also yield higher levels of pulp (55%) than is currently yielded by today's
softwood dissolving pulps (32-36%).
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Attribute Unit Softwood CRAILAR(R)
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Dissolving Pulp Yield % 32-36 55
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Viscosity cm(3)/g 550 786
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Brightness % ISO 90.5-92.0 92.8
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Alpha Cellulose % 95.5-96.5 98.1
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Ash Content % 0.03-0.08 0.05
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Acetone Extractives % 0.08 0.01
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Viscosity gives an indication of the average degree of polymerization of
the cellulose and is a measure of a fluid's thickness. Brightness is a measure
of how much light a sheet of pulp will reflect, and speaks to the material's
whiteness. The Alpha Cellulose figure corresponds to the pulp's purity and the
amount of non-cellulose impurities that exist in the pulp. Viscosity,
Brightness and Alpha Cellulose metrics are more optimal the higher the number.
Other metrics such as Ash Content and Acetone Extractives speak further to the
material's purity and efficiency of processing, with lower results being more
optimal.
"These test results indicate that our CRAILAR(R) Advanced Materials
Dissolving Pulp can deliver cost-effective, natural fiber-based solutions for
textile, pulp & paper and bioplastics applications," said Ken Barker, CEO of
Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc. "CRAILAR(R)'s superior performance
profile is apparent in these test results and we are looking forward to
bringing CRAILAR(R)'s stream of value added products to market beginning in
2009."
The CRAILAR(R) technology platform is being developed by Naturally
Advanced to create high value products in textile, pulp & paper, bioplastics,
biofuels and medical industries, global markets totalling $850 billion. The
CRAILAR(R) platform is comprised of 4 divisions: CRAILAR(R) Organic Fibers,
CRAILAR(R) Bio-fuels, CRAILAR(R) Agriculture and CRAILAR(R) Advanced
Materials. CRAILAR(R) Advanced Materials Dissolving Pulp is expected to be
able to be used in performance apparel, pulp & paper and bioplastics markets,
applications that amount to over $200 billion globally. CRAILAR(R) technology
is patent protected.
ABOUT Naturally Advanced Technologies, Inc.
Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc. ("NAT" or the "Company") is committed
to unlocking the potential of renewable and environmentally sustainable
biomass resources from hemp and other bast fibers. NAT, through its wholly
owned subsidiary Crailar Fiber Technologies Inc., is developing proprietary
technologies for production of bast fibers, cellulose pulp, and their
resulting by-products, in collaboration withCanada's National Research
Council and the Alberta Research Council. CRAILAR(R) technology offers
cost-effective and environmentally sustainable processing and production of
natural, bast fibers such as hemp and flax, resulting in increased performance
characteristics for use in textile, industrial, energy, medical and composite
material applications. The Company is also a provider of sustainable,
environmentally friendly fibers and fabrics through its apparel division
HTnaturals. Founded in 1998 in response to the growing demand for
environmentally friendly, socially responsible clothing, NAT adheres to a
"triple bottom line" philosophy, respecting the human rights of employees, the
environmental impact of the Company's operations and fiscal responsibility to
its shareholders. NAT is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange Venture Exchange
under the symbol 'NAT' as well as on the OTCBB under the symbol 'NADVF'.
www.naturallyadvanced.com
Safe Harbor Statement
This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Exchange Act of
1934 and the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995 and is subject to safe harbor created by these sections. Actual results
may differ materially due to a number of risks, including, but not limited to,
technological and operational challenges, needs for additional capital,
changes in consumer preferences, risks associated with: market acceptance and
technological changes; dependence on manufacturing and material supplies
providers; international operations; and competition.
CONTACT: Investor Contact: Toby Reid, Investor Relations, Naturally
Advanced Technologies Inc., (604) 683-8582 x107, ir@naturallyadvanced.com;
Media Contact: Summer Facchini, Black Lab Communications, (503) 830-5983,
summer@blacklabcommunications.com
SOURCE Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc.
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