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Scouring agent for cleaning feathers also effective against bird flu virus Wash and disinfect in one step Leverkusen – Recent studies have shown that Tanaterge® DPF, a scouring agent and disinfectant for feathers and down, is also effective against the bird flu virus. The most recent test results on the influenza A virus from the veterinary medicine department at Giessen university provide clear evidence of the effectiveness of the product, which is manufactured by the Textile Processing Chemicals business unit at LANXESS. The concentrated scouring agent is also biodegradable and easy to use. Moreover, despite its outstanding performance in removing natural fats and secretions, it does not cause the substratum to become brittle. Down and feathers retain their volume and elasticity. According to Dr. Martin Riegels, head of Global Marketing & Research at the Textile Processing Chemicals business unit, some 175,000 metric tons of duck and goose feathers are processed each year around the world. Half of these are used as filler materials for comforters and pillows and the upholstery industry accounts for a further 30 percent. The remaining 20 percent are used in the production of outdoor articles such as sleeping bags and down jackets. It is the excellent insulation provided by the keratin protein – a key constituent of down and feathers – that is of greatest interest to industry. “But there are currently several tons sitting unused and ready to be processed in Eastern Europe, for example, one of the most important export markets for feathers,” comments Riegels. It is the fear of bird flu that has discouraged many from purchasing products that are filled with feathers. Birds that catch the highly infectious viral disease suffer from fever, breathing difficulties and diarrhea. The virus is excreted in droppings and other bodily secretions and can be spread when domestic poultry such as chickens, geese and ducks come into contact with infected migratory birds. The scouring agent and disinfectant Tanaterge® DPF can effectively prevent the spread of the virus – without damaging the delicate natural product and impairing its performance. “By being able to demonstrate that this disinfectant has been used, our customers can tap into an important marketing argument,” states Riegels. Feathers and down are constructed differently. Feathers consist of a central stem or quill, from which barbs project to the left and right. However, down, which weighs between only one and four milligrams, has a central point from which soft fibers radiate in all directions. As this construction traps large amounts of air, down is found around the breast and abdomen, where its insulating properties protect against the heat in summer and the cold in winter. After being packed into pillows and sleeping bags, both feathers and down need to retain maximum performance, and be hygienic and odor neutral. As a result, very gentle products need to be used during processing, otherwise feathers and down can stick together. Feathers and down that have been plucked by hand or machine are washed in a perforated drum, in a process similar to that of a domestic washing machine. However, the drum is larger than that of a domestic appliance as it needs to contain approx. 200 to 250 kilograms of feather-light material. Tanaterge® DPF is used as a detergent in a one percent solution. After a single wash and rinse cycle, the machine load is drained and transferred to a special dryer. The future fill material is then ready for processing. Another LANXESS product that has proven extremely effective against the highly infectious bird flu virus is the concentrated disinfectant Preventol® CD 601. This offer a unique combination of three active substances that is particularly suitable for cleaning areas heavily soiled with organic material (e.g. poultry sheds) and combating enveloped viruses such as the bird flu H5N1 virus. The formulation also works extremely well as a bactericide, fungicide and general viruside. The Textile Processing Chemicals business unit is part of the Performance Chemicals Segment, which achieved sales of EUR 1.977 billion in fiscal 2005. Information for editors: All our news releases and photos can be found on the LANXESS homepage at www.lanxess.com under the “Press” button. Any available visual material can also be downloaded from there. Leverkusen, June 21, 2006 bol (2006-0122e) Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by LANXESS AG management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.