Document re3oZOv5Ywvw8JGXBy4vpObLG

ffcOM dm e REFERENCE TO / V4 ----------------/-----7- R, V. Todd - v -r November 6, 1969 NOTE TO FILE Urethane Coated Fabrics c.c. S.L. Harris J. R. McClain N. Reimer E.H. Toombs . R. Fitzhenry M. Medgessy Urethane fabrics are becoming ever more widely used in the United States and Europe a.s a replacement for vinyl coated fabrics for specific application. Y7ith Canada starting to show mild interest, I believe we should without delay get Mocan intelligence to a point where we can assess the importance of urethane in our Coated Fabrics Plan and move quickly if necessary. Some developments to date: . - Seven major companies in the U.S. are offering a product for sale, at least five are producing. The product is gaining acceptance in furniture, apparel and footwear in the U.S. - Over 80% of the European coated fabrics market for handbags is now held by urethane. - Detroit has not yet indicated an interest but a few European cars are using urethane. - Increased chemical and reported abrasion resistance makes urethane fabrics dry cleanable and machine washable and tougher than vinyl. - Urethane has a greater "comfort" factor than vinyl and can better simulate leather. They have been reported as breathable, - Urethane fabrics cost 50% to 100% more than vinyl `fabrics. - To date all such fabrics are produced by transfer or direct coating.- They have not been calendered.. - Urethane fabrics are being developed at Aiscondel. i, / 2 DSW 587687 ) ' Ifc'r. - ` STLCOPCB4093023 i * 2 I v;ould like to suggest a two-pronged approach to getting ourselves abreast of developments. . (1) Marketing to gather all pertinent market data and intelligence relative to the present status and growth estimates of urethane coated fabrics vis-a-vis' vinyl fabrics in the key markets outlined'in the Business Plan. (2) PT&E to gather data relative to processes, technology, equipment, patent and licensing situation and guesstimated . capital needs. " We^should meet say the week of December 15th to review findings and decide on our next course of action. RVT:acv r iti* DSW 587688 STLCOPCB4093024