Alexium and ICL sign MoU for global marketing of Alexiflam

The MoU establishes a framework for the potential commercialisation of Alexiflam NF with ICL, including: Alexium retaining rights to sell Alexiflam NF into defined markets currently under development by Alexium, ICL being granted sole global marketing and sales rights for the Alexiflam NF product, both parties collaborating to assess the costs and address the practical details involved with the volume production of Alexiflam NF, said Alexium in a press release.

The MoU is the result of a long period of co-operation with ICL. In August 2014, both companies collaborated in a South Carolina/Israeli Collaborative Industry R&D programme initiated by the governments of South Carolina and Israel. With this effort, Alexium and ICL worked on novel approaches to the flame retardation of nylon-based textiles.

“ICL is a global leader in the manufacture and sales of FRs with an extensive existing portfolio of FR products covering multiple applications. We are excited by the potential we see in leveraging Alexium’s unique, proprietary chemistry for the FR treatment of cellulosic materials with the efficiencies afforded by ICL’s unrivalled global manufacturing, marketing, and sales distribution infrastructure,” said Alexium CEO Dr. Bob Brookins. “Additionally, Alexiflam NF is a platform technology with applications beyond textiles including wood and adhesive applications, and partnering with ICL can accelerate these additional routes to market.”

Alexiflam NF is a proprietary flame retardant developed by Alexium for cotton and cellulose-based textiles. Flame retardant cotton (FR cotton) is a prominent segment of the protective fabrics market with the QYR Chemical & Material Research Center assessing the global market size for FR cotton fabrics as 367 million square yards per annum.

Based on regulatory compliance of Alexiflam NF, initial distribution efforts are expected to focus on European end markets followed by expansion into China and the US. Beyond these established markets, Alexium has identified unique opportunities for Alexiflam NF such as prospective applications in FR sock for bedding and FR treatment for fleece. Combining these opportunities with the established FR cotton market provides a diverse range of markets based on end-users and regions.

Alexium International Group Limited holds proprietary patent applications for novel technologies developed to provide flame retardancy for a wide range of materials. These environmentally friendly flame retardants have applications for several industries and can be customised. (PC)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India