Monday (Nov. 3), the university celebrated the donation of two more intellectual property portfolios from The Procter & Gamble Company . The first of these donations is commonly referred to as Enzyme Modified Fiber Technology. This technology, developed by P&G research, is a manufacturing process to create softer tissue, towel and facial paper products. The second donation is TEEGAFIX Technology. This technology will permit fabric dyes to work at lower temperatures and lower salt levels, potentially providing significant cost savings and environmental benefits to textile and dye manufacturers.

Enzyme Modified Fiber Technology and TEEGAFIX Technology are P&G's third and fourth intellectual property gifts to NC State. In November 2002, P&G donated its Cationic Peroxide Activators Technology, which P&G researchers found could potentially lower the temperature and, therefore, cost at which textiles are manufactured. In November 2000, P&G donated its Fiber Fractionation Paper Recycling Process Enhancement Technology to the university, which permits a more efficient paper recycling process.

"With its widely respected reputation for textile and paper manufacturing research, NC State has the skills, staff and resources necessary to continue the development of TEEGAFIX and Enzyme Modified Fiber Technology," said Joel Monteith, director, P&G Technology Development, Family Care. "With a little more research, these important discoveries may one day play an important role in producing inexpensive fabrics and softer paper goods for millions of consumers around the world."

"The College of Natural Resources and P&G have been at the leading edge of technological development in the paper industry. This gift enables us to continue advancing the quality and environmental sustainability of the paper industry," said Dr Larry Nielsen, dean of NC State's College of Natural Resources.

"Teegafix technology is a very attractive alternative to constructing expensive wastewater treatment facilities where operating costs, monitoring requirements and liabilities increase every year," says Dr. C. Brent Smith, Cone Mills Professor of Textile Chemistry. "With its increased process efficiency, Teegafix has the potential to reduce color in the wastewater and achieve cost savings for the consumer. It may also reduce the waste of costly raw materials, handling costs, lab testing, record-keeping and paperwork."

NC State was selected because of its proven track record in developing new textile and paper manufacturing technologies. As the sole new owner of these technologies, NC State will benefit from all future revenues if these technologies are successfully developed and commercialized.

Posted November 4, 2003

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