24 May 2011

DURABILITY AND STRENGTH FOR SEAMS – XTREME-TECH SEWING THREAD WITH DYNEEMA^®

The Netherlands, May 24, 2011 - Amann Group has launched a new high-performance sewing thread called Xtreme-Tech, based on Dyneema®, the Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber from DSM.

At Texprocess, the new show for processing textile and flexible materials which runs alonside the established Techtextil technical textiles fair in Frankfurt from May 24-26, Amann will receive an Innovation Award for this new product – reflecting the company’s commitment to advanced R&D.

The development of Xtreme-Tech was prompted by initial demand from Amann’s aerospace customer AmSafe, which is now employing it to develop super strong cargo restraint systems for Freighter Aircrafts. In such an application Dyneema® fiber can provide sewing thread with the highest tensile strength and the most durable seams – traditionally a potential weak spot in such products.

Special twisting, coating and coloring techniques were developed by Amann to come up with Xtreme-Tech, which retains its ultimate strength while being easy to both process and to be dyed.

As one of the biggest global sewing thread producers in the world, Amann has also signed a strategic trademark agreement with DSM Dyneema for the global marketing and sale of Xtreme-Tech and other new products the two companies aim to jointly develop.

“Building on this success, we aim to further work together with DSM Dyneema to bring such sustainable and innovative products to the market,” said Robin Hefter, Regional Sales Manager of Amann. “The AmSafe development is likely to be only the first of many applications for this new product and marks just the start of what we believe we can achieve together.”

“Most companies already know about the impressive properties of Dyneema® fiber in terms of durability and strength, but have not been aware of its outstanding performance in sewing thread,” said Yvonne Engelen, VP Innovation of DSM Dyneema. “As a highly sustainable solution for many applications, Amann’s new Xtreme-Tech with Dyneema® will enable many companies to optimise their products as a result of stronger seams, and in many cases increase the lifetime of their products.”

Reader enquiries

Dyneema
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6167 RD Geleen
Netherlands

+31 46 476 6466

press.dyneema@dsm.com

Notes for editors

About DSM Dyneema

DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™. Dyneema® is an Ultra High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene (UHMWPE) fiber that offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight. It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibers, both on weight for weight basis. Dyneema® fiber floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. The applications are therefore more or less unlimited. Dyneema® is an important component in ropes, cables and nets in the fishing, shipping and offshore industries. Dyneema® is also used in safety gloves for the metalworking industry and in fine yarns for applications in sporting goods and the medical sector. In addition, Dyneema® is also used in bullet resistant armor and clothing for police and military personnel.

UHMWPE fiber from DSM Dyneema is produced in Heerlen (The Netherlands) and in Greenville, North Carolina (U.S.A.). DSM Dyneema is also a partner in a high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) manufacturing joint venture in Japan. Further information on DSM Dyneema is available at www.dyneema.com.

DSM - Bright Science. Brighter Living.™

Royal DSM N.V. is a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials. By connecting its unique competences in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences DSM is driving economic prosperity, environmental progress and social advances to create sustainable value for all stakeholders. DSM delivers innovative solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance in global markets such as food and dietary supplements, personal care, feed, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, automotive, paints, electrical and electronics, life protection, alternative energy and bio-based materials. DSM’s 22,000 employees deliver annual net sales of over €9 billion. The company is listed on NYSE Euronext. More information can be found at www.dsm.com.

Dyneema® and Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™ are trademarks of Royal DSM. Use of these trademarks is prohibited unless strictly authorized.

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