3M today announced its latest advancement in reflective applications for occupational garments certified to ANSI/ISEA 107-2004: 3M Scotchlite reflective material - 9720 industrial wash transfer film. This new transfer film is an alternative to industrial wash sew-on trims, as well as vinyl products, which can be stiff and uncomfortable.

The occupational industry is not only demanding on workers, but also on garments. Uniforms and safety garments worn by law enforcement, highway workers, first responders, delivery personnel and airport operations personnel often require industrial laundering. The fabric and reflective components on the garments, therefore, need to be highly durable. Often, the drawback can be that the more durable the garment, the less comfortable it becomes. The new Scotchlite reflective material - 9720 industrial wash transfer film from 3M helps address this problem. It is applied by heat lamination, which allows it to become an integral part of the garment for a more comfortable feeling, yet will still stand up to certain industrial laundering conditions. Heat-transfer lamination also allows reflective trim to be applied to newly finished garments. This compares to traditional sew-on products, which are applied during the garment manufacturing process.

Additional advantages include:

• Exceptional Durability - Ideal for garments exposed to heavy soil and harsh wash conditions. Tested to withstand 25 to 40 industrial wash cycles at 75 degrees Celsius/165 degrees Fahrenheit and 50 home wash cycles at 60 degrees Celsius/140 degrees Fahrenheit. Garment finishing (tumble dry or tunnel finish) or harsher laundering conditions can limit garment life and should be considered as part of the cleaning process.
• Unique Application - Applied by heat lamination and can be die-cut or guillotined into various shapes. It is designed especially for T-shirts, sweat shirts, uniforms and rainwear in lieu of sewing applications. In rainwear, it can help minimize the need to seam seal where trim is applied. It can be applied to existing uniforms for logos or identification.
• Enhanced Visibility - Certified to ANSI/ISEA 107- 2004 Level 2 and EN 471 Class 2 retroreflective material specifications. Silver beaded with a typical brightness of 500R A.

"We are very excited to have developed this complex material because it offers garment manufacturers, launderers and end-users clear benefits. They no longer need to compromise durability to achieve comfort," said Chris Sneden, marketing manager for 3M Personal Safety Products. "Several industrial launderers and garment manufacturers have tested the product and it is being received very enthusiastically."

Scotchlite reflective material - 9720 industrial wash transfer film is the second industrial wash product offering from 3M this year. In addition, expanding Thinsulate insulation type G capabilities combines lightweight warmth and comfort with durability to withstand industrial laundering, perfect for employees who work under cold conditions. Uniform manufacturers can expect the new Scotchlite reflective material - 9720 industrial wash transfer film to be available in the United States in September 2005. Both products will be displayed in the 3M booth #1601 at the 93rd Annual National Safety Congress and Expo (Sept. 17-23 in Orlando, Fla.).

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Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 69,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.

3M, Scotchlite, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.

Cohn & WolfeJason LaDuca, 212-798-9780Jason_laduca@cohnwolfe.comor3M, St. PaulColleen Harris, 651-733-1566http://www.3m.com/PressContact