40 Millon Women Drive Microban to Develop Antibacterial Towel Durability.

Business Editors

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 2, 2000

Responding to overwhelming consumer interest, Microban Products Company announced today that it has developed a new antibacterial process for towels, providing unprecedented antibacterial durability.

The revolutionary technology will help protect freshness by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew in towels and other textiles.

A 1999 National Family Opinion (NFO) Multicard study indicates that most women believe it is very important that their towels stay fresher between cleanings. This follows recent consumer data that has consistently demonstrated that the American public is interested in buying towels with Microban(R) built-in antibacterial product protection.

After extensive testing and reformulation, Microban antibacterial product protection can now be applied as a finish in natural fibers to last the life of the towel, approximately 150 washings. In addition, this new finish provides an added consumer benefit by enhancing a towel's colorfastness.

&uot;We've known that consumers value antibacterials in textiles,&uot; said Gary Kroll, president of Microban Products Company. &uot;But until this durability breakthrough, there was no antibacterial protection available that would meet the high standards our customers expect of our brand - safety, effectiveness and durability. We are very pleased to be able to provide the long-term antibacterial durability consumers have been looking for.&uot;

Additional consumer research also indicates the buying public wants the durable freshness found in towels with Microban:

-- Two-thirds of consumers are concerned about various aspects &uot;of

bacteria and germs that cause odor mold and mildew&uot; in their

homes, according to a 1999 independently conducted annual public

opinion poll.

-- 8 in 10 American women surveyed in June1999 by NFO Research said

it was very important to them to prevent damp and mildew odor in

bath towels between uses.

-- 63 percent of American women recently surveyed by Microban

Products Company said they were very interested in Microban

product protection in bath towels.

&uot;Microban has developed an innovative antibacterial technology that is customized for each specific application,&uot; said Glenn Cueman, chief technology officer for Microban Products Company. &uot;This new finish is a revolution in the industry and is the first product to offer long-lasting durability in home textiles such as towels.&uot;

Microban Products Company already provides antibacterial durability in synthetic fibers for such companies as Celanese, Sterling Fibers, Inc. and Synthetic Industries. Whether these synthetic fibers are alone or blended with natural fibers, Microban(R) provides antibacterial protection for the useful life of the product. However, products with 100 percent natural fibers require more durability than could be provided with the current finish technology, until now. Microban Products Company identified a need for a natural fiber textile finish and, after extensive product research and testing, developed a long-term durable antibacterial finish for towels.

Microban is an ingredient that is incorporated into the molecular structure of many everyday plastic and textile items, including those used in kitchens, bathrooms, workplaces and public restaurants. The technology is based on the active ingredients found in antibacterial soaps, shampoos and toothpaste. When it is built into the product during the manufacturing process, it helps resist the growth of bacteria, molds, and fungi that cause odors and stains in products. Microban antibacterial product protection is designed to last the life of the product.

Products currently available with Microban(R) product protection include Lucite(R) acrylics, Fruit of the Loom(R) socks, Holmes(R) Humidifiers and Farberware(R) kitchen tools.

As the leader in branded built-in antibacterial product protection, Microban Products Company is dedicated to developing technology that safely and effectively inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold and fungi that cause odors, stains and product degradation.

A privately held company, Microban Products Company is headquartered near Charlotte, N.C., with international headquarters in New York City and operations in Canada, Mexico, U.K. and Thailand. For more information about Microban protection, visit www.microban.com or call [phone].