COVILLE USES STRATATEK TECHNOLOGY TO LAUNCH POLYPROPYLENE PRINTS, ECO-FRIENDLY KNITS AT OUTDOOR RETAILER SUMMER MARKET 2008 

Press Contacts:
Kevin Williams (336-719-0031) (kwilliams@thirdlineinc.com)
Kristen Orr (919-969-4243) (korr@afyarns.com)

WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA (June 25, 2008) - Coville takes polypropylene to a new level in performance apparel with the introduction of printed and eco-friendly fabrics using strataTek knitting technology, made by Alandale Knitting Company.

 The patented strataTek technology offers a new, innovative fabric featuring the combination of two fibers in a double knit construction for both performance and sustainability. Coville uses this technology to combine Innova^® antimicrobial polypropylene, manufactured exclusively by American Fibers and Yarns Company, with materials such as organic cotton. The resulting fabrics, part of the AM/P2^® Collection, demonstrate how polypropylene can now be used in fabrics that are printed, environmentally sustainable, and that enhance the performance of other traditional fibers. 

 For printed applications, Innova^® polypropylene is placed on the underside of the strataTek platform, while the print substrate fiber is used as the face yarn. The face side is then printed using a unique process developed specifically for this product. This offers a fashionable, yet high performing garment utilizing polypropylene’s inherent performance against the skin.

 The inherent attributes of the AM/P2^® Collection using Innova^® polypropylene that will last the life of the fabric include:

• Inherently stain resistant
• Color fast. Will not fade over time or from bleach
• Antimicrobial
• Bacteria and odor resistant
• Moisture management
• Thermal regulation
• Quick drying to save energy and money
• Environmental friendly

The AM/P2 Collection offers a sustainable alternative not currently offered in the marketplace.  The product line focuses not only on performance, but also environmental stewardship and sustainability.  The face yarn is made of natural and organic fibers, while the innermost polypropylene fiber boasts earth friendly characteristics as well.  The manufacturing process of Innova requires significantly less heat and water consumption, does not require harmful topical treatments to achieve performance, and can be recycled and regenerated toward the production of new, durable goods.

 The AM/P2 Collection will debut at the upcoming Outdoor Retailer Summer Market to be held in Salt Lake City, UT on August 8-11, 2008.  Both Coville and American Fibers and Yarns Company will be exhibiting at this year’s show. 

About Coville
Coville is a leading converter of knit fabrics.  Founded in the mid-1970’s.  Coville pioneers the use of advanced technologies to create market-defining performance and fashion knits.  Today, Coville is a leading supplier to the U.S. Military, as well as the outdoor and active apparel markets.  For more information about Coville and its products, please visit www.covilleinc.com or call 336-759-0115.

About American Fibers and Yarns Company
American Fibers and Yarns Company (AF&Y) is the world’s leading supplier of solution dyed filament yarns.  With thousands of yarns in its product portfolio and the ability to engineer yarns to customer specifications, AF&Y is a dominant supplier to the residential and contract furnishings marketplace, and has a growing presence in the hospitality, apparel, automotive and industrial markets.  Headquartered in Chapel Hill, NC, AF&Y maintains a Technology Center that specializes in engineering filament yarn with innovative combinations not available from other suppliers. The company also operates two U.S. production facilities totaling six hundred thousand square feet of manufacturing space.  For more information on AF&Y and its products, and green program, please visit www.afyarns.com or call 800-925-0668.