Polymer Group Inc. Introduces New Flame Retardant Fabrics

Furniture World Magazine

Polymer Group, Inc. (PGI) (OTC Bulletin Board: POLGA; POLGB) has combined its proprietary spunlacing technology and advanced finishing science to give the bedding industry a soft landing in meeting new flammability standards. The company is certifying functional and economic flame retardant (FR) solutions to help bedding manufacturers meet California’s new open-flame mattress standard (Technical Bulletin 603), which goes into effect January 2005. Benefits for Manufacturers The new family of fabrics deliver critical benefits, including: x Properly constructed mattresses using the company’s FR fabrics pass the test protocol as specified in TB 603. x PGI’s advanced spunlace techniques offer fabrics which do not x “grin through” facing fabrics, enabling them to appear white. x PGI’s hydroentangling technology imparts soft and comfortable fabrics. x PGI’s advanced web-forming technology optimizes the ratio of weight to performance attributes. “The emerging FR market requirements provide PGI the opportunity to showcase our broad technological capabilities,” said James L. Schaeffer, PGI’s chief executive officer. “This is a natural market for us and a place where we can bring significant value to bedding manufacturers.” Additional California legislation on bedding accessories (TB 604) is pending. Leading experts in the FR field expect enactment in 2006. Legislation for residential upholstery is also under consideration. PGI believes its innovative technologies will provide high value solutions to these new requirements and continues to be active in a variety of developmental programs with market leaders in each segment. About Polymer Group, Inc. Polymer Group, Inc., one of the world’s leading producers of nonwovens, is a global, technology-driven developer, producer and marketer of engineered materials. With the broadest range of process technologies in the nonwovens industry, PGI is a global supplier to leading consumer and industrial product manufacturers. The company operates 21 manufacturing facilities throughout the world. Additional company information is available at www.polymergroupinc.com. Safe Harbor Statement Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ from those indicated in forward-looking statements can include, but are not limited to, the follow: (i) increased competition in markets in which the company competes, (ii) increased costs, (iii) changes in conditions of the general economy and (iv) the company’s substantial leverage position. Investors and other readers are directed to consider the risks and uncertainties discussed in documents filed by Polymer Group, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company’s 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K. This press release does not constitute a warranty regarding the products mentioned herein. For further information, please contact: Dennis Norman Vice President – Strategic Planning & Communication (843) 329-5151 normand@pginw.com Sandy Frinton JMC (845) 454-3895 sandy@mallen.com