SYDNEY FACTORY TO MAKE PAPER CLOTHES

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31729, 12 July 1968, Page 2

SYDNEY FACTORY TO MAKE PAPER CLOTHES

(N.Z. Pre»i Ann.—Copyright) MELBOURNE, July 10. A factory to make “throw-away” clothing—to be built near Sydney—will be surrounded by armed guards, dogs and electronic alarm devices. The first product, which is expected to revolutionise the textile industry will be disposable pants for women. The pants are designed to be worn only once. The material is a cross between paper and fabric. The factory is expected to be opened in October. Machinery is expected from England at the end of August. Mr Frank Theeman, managing director of the Sydney firm, Osti Holdings, Ltd, said the retail price of the panties would be three pairs for 25c. "The manufacturing process is highly secret and we are taking no chances against industrial espionage,” Mr Theeman said. “We have six sites in mind near Sydney but have yet to choose the factory’s position. “The introduction of minilife disposable pants for women will be soon followed by disposable underpants for men.”

The new material was inflammable, but it did not flare, he said. “It is fire retardant and melts rather than bums.”

He said his company was merging with a British firm which marketed paper nightgowns, overalls and babies' bibs.

It was expected the company would branch out to produce doctors’ and nurses’ gowns, sheets, pillow cases and other linen-type articles. In London, Mr Stanley Van Gelder, chairman of Bolton Textile Mill, today announced

his company would join with American, French and Australian firms to boost the sale of disposable paper clothes. The Lancashire company will work with Stevens-Bolton Corp., of Goldsboro, North Carolina, the Sydney firm, and D.M.R., its French associate.

“We are virtually setting up a new industry on an international scale,” Mr Van Gelder said. "Demand continually outstrips supply, however fast we step up production capacity.”