Pioneering Innovations In Pocketing From Cotswold Industries Inc. And Lenzing AG

NEW YORK, June 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Cotswold Industries Inc. has developed an innovative pocketing fabric using TENCEL® fiber, produced by Lenzing AG.  This groundbreaking development takes pocketing and waist banding to a new era with softness, strength and sustainability. Cotswold Industries Inc., and sister company Central Textiles Inc. in Central S.C., will be the primary conduit for the processing and weaving of TENCEL® for the product line. TENCEL® pocketing will be produced in the both the USA and in China.

TENCEL® is a man-made cellulosic fiber derived from wood pulp from trees with a distinctive closed loop manufacturing process reusing 99.6% of the solvent.  TENCEL® has a unique structure which allows moisture to transfer through the fiber resulting in ease of wear and comfort.  This optimal moisture management supports reduced bacteria growth without the need for chemical additives. TENCEL® is the purest cellulosic fiber.

"As brands seek advancements in fabrics which provide not only comfort, but also performance, we are pleased to work together with Cotswold on TENCEL® in pocketing applications.  This development blends TENCEL® to provide comfort next to the skin, as well as strength and moisture management.  With the expertise and global distribution, Cotswold is providing a viable alternative in pocketing for the market," says Tricia Carey, Senior Merchandising Manager, Lenzing AG.

"Cotswold is excited to help develop and market such a truly sustainable, "new age" functional fiber into both our specialty and mass market channels," said James McKinnon, CEO of Cotswold Industries, which is supplier to dozens of brands including Levi Strauss & Co., VF Corporation, Abercrombie & Fitch, GAP, LL Bean, Kohl's, JC Penney, True Religion, AG Jeans and Land's End. "Partnering with LENZING to produce value added TENCEL® products fits perfectly within our corporate strategy of being a leader in both innovation and environmentally friendly textile manufacturing."

The privately held, family owned company provides textiles for industrial, nonwovens, apparel and technical applications. It was founded in 1954 and its headquarters are in New York City.

About Cotswold Industries Inc. 

Founded in 1954 and now in its third generation of family management, Cotswold is a leader in the development and distribution of technical textiles and apparel fabrics. As a vertically integrated manufacturer, converter and distributor, Cotswold brings its customers quality and value from fiber to a finished product.

About LENZING AG

The Lenzing Group

The Lenzing Group is a leader in the world market with its headquarters in Austria, production sites in all major markets and a global network of sales and marketing offices. Lenzing provides the global textile and nonwovens industry with high-quality industrially manufactured ("man-made") cellulose fibers and is the leading supplier in many business-to-business markets. The product range extends from fiber pulp, cellulose standard and special fibers to engineering services.

Lenzing quality and Lenzing innovative power set standards for man-made cellulose fibers. More than seventy years of fiber production expertise make the Lenzing group the only manufacturer world-wide to produce all three man-made cellulose fiber generations - from classic viscose to Modal and Lyocell (TENCEL®) - on an industrial scale. The unique combination of consistent customer orientation with leadership in quality, innovation and technology is the foundation of the success of the Lenzing group. Our economic strength is based on a successful specialty strategy and an excellent cost position. Lenzing is committed to the principles of sustainable management and very high environmental standards. Lenzing's core business of fibers and plastics is complemented by our activities in the business field of engineering and plant construction.

Key Figures 2012:
Sales: EUR 2.09 bill.
Fiber sales: 810,000 tons
Staff: 7,033
TENCEL® and Lenzing Modal® are registered trademarks of the Lenzing group.

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SOURCE Cotswold Industries Inc.