Lincoln, Neb., Nov. 13, 2003 -- Representatives from Procter & Gamble Co. will be in Lincoln Friday and Saturday Nov. 14 and 15 to formally present a major gift of textile manufacturing technology to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. UNL researchers will further refine the technology, which may improve color fastness and durability of fabrics colored with sulfur dyes.
Nodie Washington, associate director of fabric and home care at Procter & Gamble will be available for media interviews between 5 and 6:30 p.m. Nov. 14 prior to a dinner celebrating the donation. She is also available about noon Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Nebraska Union prior to the chancellor's tailgate event featuring UNL textile scientist Yiqi Yang, who will lead further development of the donated technology.
To schedule a specific interview time call University Communications at (402) 472-0296.
Additional information follows in a news release from Procter & Gamble.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LINCOLN, November 15, 2003 - The University of Nebraska-Lincoln today celebrates the donation of novel textile manufacturing technology from The Procter & Gamble Company. Commonly referred to as Sulfur Dye Protection Technology, this P&G innovation has shown potential to significantly improve color fastness and reduce damage to fabrics used by millions of people around the world.
"With its widely respected reputation for textile manufacturing research, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Textiles, Clothing and Design has the skills, staff and resources necessary to continue the development of Sulfur Dye Protection Technology," said Nodie Washington, P&G associate director, Fabric and Home Care Global Textiles and Laundry Product Development. "With a little more research this discovery may one day play an important role in better fabrics and clothing for millions of consumers."
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln was selected because of its proven track record in developing new textile manufacturing technologies. In addition, Dr. Yiqi Yang, who will lead the further development of the donated technology, is a recognized leader in textile chemistry, textile dyeing and polymer science.
"I am thrilled that our textile science research team at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has the opportunity to continue the research and development of the sulfur dyeing technology. We are sure that the results of this donation will benefit the textile industry and consumers substantially. Procter & Gamble has been most generous and supportive of this important research effort," said Dr. Yang. As sole new owner of the technology, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will benefit from all future revenues if Sulfur Dye Protection Technology is successfully developed and commercialized.
How Sulfur Dye Protection Technology Works
Sulfur dyes are typically used to inexpensively produce black, brown, navy and olive colored fabrics. A primary problem with sulfur dyes, and a significant factor in their recent decline in usage, is the relatively poor color fastness of the fabric when laundered. Another problem with sulfur dyes is the tendency of sulfur-dyed fabrics to form acid in storage. The acid weakens the cotton making the fabric or garment unusable. Research by P&G shows that treatment of sulfur-dyed fabric with Sulfur Dye Protection Technology improves the fastness of sulfur dyes to laundered fabrics. This research also indicates that the use of Sulfur Dye Protection Technology decreases the tendency of sulfur-dyed fabrics to degrade in storage.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Department of Textiles, Clothing and Design
The Department of Textiles, Clothing and Design prepares students for careers in the global textile and apparel industry. Faculty and students within the department have a distinguished record of national awards for their research and creative work. The Department received the 2000 University-Wide Departmental Teaching Award for excellence in teaching and quality instruction for all students. In 1999 the department was recipient of the prestigious American Textile Manufacturers Association Award of Excellence, which recognizes one department annually for its outstanding academic program in the field of textiles and apparel. For more information on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Department of Textiles, Clothing and Design, go to: http://textiles.unl.edu.
About Procter & Gamble
Two billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The company has one of the largest and strongest portfolios of trusted, quality brands, including Pampers(r), Tide(r), Ariel(r), Always(r), Whisper(r), Pantene(r), Bounty(r), Pringles(r), Folgers(r), Charmin(r), Downy(r), Lenor(r), Iams(r), Crest(r), Actonel(r), Olay(r) and Clairol Nice 'n Easy(r). . P&G's External Business Development and Global Licensing organization is charged with ensuring the company maximizes the value of its 'treasure trove' of technologies by selling, licensing and, in some cases, donating these technologies. The unit is also responsible for licensing select P&G brand trademarks. For more information on licensing P&G technology, go to: http://www.pgtechnologytransfer.com.
CONTACTS: Meg Lauerman, Director, University Communications, (402) 472-0296; and
Martha Depenbrock, Procter & Gamble, (513) 983-5366
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Posted by Tom Simons, Office of University Communications
Phone: (402) 472-8514, Fax: (402) 472-7825