INVISTA LAUNCHES NEW NYLON INNOVATIONS FOR APPAREL
New warp knit TACTEL® and SUPPLEX® Micro yarns for Swim and Intimate Apparel

May 28, 2004

INVISTA, the world's largest integrated fibers company, has completed successful introductions of two new nylon products trials, and is now launching these product innovations to brand manufacturers and retailers for 2005 commercial programs.

The new fine filament TACTEL® product, designed for warp knitting applications, extends the irresistible touch of TACTEL® into swimwear without compromising the need for excellent abrasion and pilling performance of these fabrics. Combining the luxurious softness of TACTEL® -- already familiar to consumers in intimate apparel -- with the comfort and long-lasting fit of LYCRA® will bring much needed innovation to the swimwear category.

The new range of lightweight and mercerized SUPPLEX® yarns, branded as SUPPLEX® Micro, bring a new level of cottony softness and natural hand for intimate apparel applications. These products, are lighter and finer than ever and will be available for both warp knit and circular knit applications.

The new yarns are aimed at men's and women's underwear with LYCRA®, where they will bring the comfort, fit and soft cottony feel that consumers seek. In a recent survey conducted by Wirthlin Research, Inc. with more than 1400 consumers, two-thirds of respondents in the U.S. and Europe find the concept appealing and express purchase interest in intimate apparel made with new Supplex® Micro.

These new nylon offerings address market interest in enhanced performance and further demonstrate INVISTA's commitment to bring fashionable and functional benefits of textile science. They make clothes better in every conventional respect -- comfort, fit, performance, and easy care. "We are committed to market back innovations linked to our brands," says Bill Ghitis, President, INVISTA Apparel. "Bringing new products like these specialty nylon fibers to market represent differentiation for our customers and are responsive to consumer interest."

"We invented nylon over 70 years ago," continues Ghitis. "We continue to innovate our product portfolio and manage our nylon assets in ways that will provide value, and create profitable market opportunities for us and our retail and brand partners in core markets such as intimate apparel and swim."

Select branded programs for TACTEL/LYCRA® in swimwear and SUPPLEX Micro with LYCRA® in intimates will be eligible for co-marketing support and able to participate in the LYCRA® global brand "HAS IT" campaign for 2005.

#########