Interview with Mr Paul C Ford

Dedication to customer success is one of Agion’s core values. The Company is passionate about making our customers successful; we do that by providing first class products, creative solution and responsive customer service. This award affirms what I already know about our team.

Agion currently provides environmentally-friendly solutions for antimicrobial protection and odor control to the apparel, footwear, sporting goods, consumer goods and textile sectors including non-wovens, carpeting and upholstery. Some of our clients include the following: Adidas, CF Stinson, Columbia, Foss, Lands’ End, and Timberland

Agion sees great growth potential in the industry as new technologies to combat odor emerge to set a new bar of performance particularly in apparel. Penetration of antimicrobials in particular for all market segments is still relatively small – for example, the technologies have only been adopted by higher end performance wear – and have not yet penetrated into mainstream casual apparel. We do expect this penetration to occur in the near future. In addition we are seeing growth opportunities in areas related to healthcare, ranging from uniforms to environmental design.

Market sizing is tied to vertical application and penetration within those segments. For example, performance finishes – whether antimicrobial, wicking, stain resistance, anti-wrinkle etc. – continue to be adopted as standard features for apparel. As far as antimicrobial fibers or finishes go, many segments are just beginning to adopt these features. In footwear, for example, Agion enjoys major market share – already there have been more than 100 million shoes with the Agion feature for odor protection. This is specifically in performance footwear such as running shoes, hiking boots, and ski/snow boots and this feature is quickly becoming adopted by mainstream retail brands including Walmart and Kohls.

Not surprisingly, the majority of manufacturing done for our textile partners is in Asia. We are also seeing increased activity and interest from India, parts of the Middle East and Latin America. As far as brand targets, we will continue to build on our base in the United States and look forward to expansion in Europe.

Agion is the recognized leader in silver based, natural antimicrobials with a team of microbiologists, materials scientists and regulatory expertise that truly deliver on a partnership model from concept to commercialization. We continue to see a displacement of traditional synthetic chemical approaches to which silver formulations are a perfect, environmentally friendly alternative. We also continue to innovate: for example, Agion Active, our newest offering, is a dual technology for odor control that is the first in its field.

Demanding and appreciating true value and a renewed sense of environmental consciousness are positive trends at the forefront of rebuilding the economy. Agion has strong roots in both of these values. By becoming partners with our clients we work together to enhance classic products with the naturally clean and safe antimicrobial properties of Agion technology. Because Agion technology is proven and long lasting, our partners, manufacturers, are able to offer solutions that are of top value and environmentally safe. In addition, because of the development cycles for footwear and apparel, we are generally working with the innovation departments of brands who are looking for the new technologies to fuel growth and value.

Agion has the broadest regulatory portfolio of any antimicrobial offering. Agion antimicrobials are EPA-registered for a broad range of uses including food and water contact. Our registrations include FDA, NSF, and Personal Care Products Association. The company is also pre- authorized with REACH, on the European BPD, EFSA, and registered in Switzerland, and reviewed in New Zealand and throughout Asia. Agion is the only antimicrobial on the market to receive Gold Cradle to Cradle certification from MBDC. The material had to pass strict environmental testing for this certification. Fifty percent of the energy used in producing Agion must be from renewable sources or the Company purchases energy credits to offset such emissions. We are already pre-approved by REACH and are looking at other textile specific certifications that approve ingredients.

You are welcome.