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US Organic Trade Association Adopts Organic Fiber Standard

After nearly five years of work, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) announced it has adopted organic fiber processing standards covering all post-harvest processing, from storage of organic fiber (such as cotton or wool) at the gin or similar facility, to spinning, wet finishing and labeling. OTA and industry members developed the standards after reviewing and modifying existing international standards governing organic fiber while also taking into account the requirements of the Organic Foods Production Act and its regulations. The project was supported, in part, by a generous grant from the Martin-Fabert Foundation. "This has truly been an intensive effort to adopt the best methods possible to protect the environment and produce organic fiber products with integrity from fiber to finished product. All those who worked in this effort are to be commended. They have made it possible for OTA to again provide the lead in organic practices, this time for the organic fiber sector," said Katherine DiMatteo, OTA's executive director. One of the most important differences between the OTA fiber processing standards and those other countries and organizations is the inclusion of an extremely detailed Materials List stating what products can and cannot be used. "We believe the standards will […]

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Evergreen Solar Reports Q4 & Year End 2003 Results

Source: Evergreen Solar Provider: SustainableBusiness.com News Fourth Quarter Highlights: * Appointed Richard M. Feldt President and Chief Executive Officer * Expanded marketing, sales, and product development staff with three senior appointments * Manufactured 50,000th solar panel incorporating the patented String Ribbon(TM) technology Evergreen Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: ESLR), a developer, marketer, and manufacturer of photovoltaic (solar power) products for the worldwide market, announced results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2003. "Evergreen completed a $29.5 million private equity financing in May 2003 and is on track to expand manufacturing capacity fourfold," commented Richard M. Feldt, President and Chief Executive Officer. "During the second half of 2003, we made tangible progress on our Line 2 capacity expansion. By February 2004, at least the first piece of new equipment for each process step has been installed, with the remainder of the equipment to be phased in the over the course of the year. Since revenues have been capacity limited, this expansion should enable significant revenue growth in 2004 and should further improve our product gross margins." "We are pleased with the progress made in 2003, exemplified by the manufacturing of our 50,000th solar panel and the 46% increase in product […]

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