Cascades Antibacterial Towel Wins Prestigious Edison Award Gold Medal

CANDIAC, QC, April 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Cascades today announced that its Cascades^® Antibacterial paper towel has received Gold honors - the highest available - in the Edison Awards Consumer Packaged Goods: Cleaning Solutions category. The award, named after Thomas Edison, was bestowed to Cascades in a special gala held last night in Chicago and came by way of an international judging panel of more than 3,000 business executives, academics and leaders in the fields of product development, design, engineering, science and medicine.

The company's novel paper towel was launched October 2012 in the North American market as a simple, safe and effective way to reduce bacterial contamination and transmission. Dry to the touch, the green-colored Cascades Antibacterial paper towel has been confirmed in third-party testing to kill over 99.99 percent of harmful bacteria upon coming into contact with wet hands. Among other uses, the product was designed to help decrease contamination possibilities within the food processing and food service industries, and reduce absenteeism rates at work and school. Studies also show that paper towels are the best choice for good hand hygiene; the antibacterial version is therefore an even safer option.

"We're incredibly proud of this product and pleased to receive this distinguished honor," said Suzanne Blanchet, Cascades Tissue Group CEO. "Eighty percent of infections are transmitted by hands, so we believe this innovation can have a significant impact on overall public health."

About the Edison Awards
The Edison Awards is a program conducted by Edison Universe, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering future innovators. The Awards have been recognizing and honoring the best in innovations and innovators since 1987. They honor game-changing innovations that are at the forefront of new product and service development, marketing and human-centered design, and are one of the highest accolades a company can receive in the name of successful innovation. For more information about the Edison Awards complete program and a list of past winners, visit www.edisonawards.com.

Cascades Tissue Group, a division of Cascades, ULC, is the fourth largest manufacturer of tissue paper in North America. Founded in 1964, Cascades produces, converts and markets packaging and tissue products that are composed mainly of recycled fiber. The company employs more than 12,000 men and women, who work in more than 100 units located in North America and Europe. With its management philosophy, close to half a century of experience in recycling, and continuous efforts in research and development as driving forces, Cascades continues to serve its clients with innovative products. Cascades' shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange, under the ticker symbol CAS. 

SOURCE CASCADES INC.