Alexium Applauds President Obama Signing 2015 National Defense Authorization Act

PERTH, AUSTRALIA and GREER, SC--(Marketwired - Dec 23, 2014) - Alexium International Group Limited (Alexium) (ASX: AJX) (OTCQX: AXXIY) is pleased to announce that President Obama has signed the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act, which calls on the Secretary of Defense, within 180 days, to complete a study on "emerging flame-resistant (FR) technologies and evaluate whether these technologies can provide cost-effective protection to a wider range of service members." CEO Nicholas Clark and the Alexium team have spent considerable time in the last six months calling attention to the need for a less expensive, more environmentally friendly FR capability for all soldiers and sailors, and with the signing of this critical piece of legislation last week, it appears that their voices have been heard by policymakers. 

"I am very pleased that Congress initiated this inquiry to the Department about expanding the use of FR capability to all military men and women, and I look forward to promoting Alexium's solutions to the Pentagon early next year as the Secretary begins his work to complete his study and report to Congress the results," said Mr. Clark. "I believe we have a product that can successfully compete with any other company in the marketplace when it comes to providing FR treatment to military uniforms, and I am confident we can do it in a less expensive and more environmentally friendly manner. More importantly, Alexium is an American company providing American jobs and wages while protecting American warfighters."

There are multiple avenues for Alexium's products to be integrated into the military. Currently, Alexium is working with the Natick Soldier Systems Center on developing the next generation Flame Resistant Army Combat Uniform (FRACU), an opportunity that could yield $10-16M in revenue per year. There are also plans to work with Natick on updating outer tactical vests, which could be worth another $4-5M per year. From the success of these projects, Alexium could extend its FR products to other branches of the military, which would significantly increase revenue potential.

 The specific language, which was included in the House Report (114-446) and deemed the intent of Congress in the final Joint Explanatory Statement from the House and the Senate, is as follows:

"Report on Emerging Technologies for Flame Resistant Uniforms: The military services currently have validated requirements for flame-resistant uniforms for personnel in specific military occupational specialties and for personnel deploying to hostile environments. The committee believes the current flame-resistant requirements are appropriate and not in need of modification. However, the committee is concerned that the military services are not adequately exploring emerging flame-resistant capabilities and technology that may allow the services to expand protection to additional service members at a reduced cost. The committee notes that the high material costs associated with flame-resistant uniforms and accessories have historically limited the distribution of such uniforms to military units that are preparing to deploy, are currently deployed, and to those serving in certain military occupational specialties. The committee understands that service members in such units require flame-resistant uniforms because of the high risk of burn injury posed by the contemporary operational environment. While the committee understands that these service members have an increased risk of sustaining a burn injury, the committee believes that other service members in training and domestic operations are also at-risk of sustaining burn-related injuries. The committee is concerned that flame-resistant uniforms are not available to these service members due to the cost-prohibitive nature of the current uniforms. Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study on emerging flame-resistant technologies and evaluate whether these technologies can provide cost-effective protection to a wider range of service members. The secretary shall report the findings of the assessment to the congressional defense committees within 180 days after the enactment of this Act."

Having found success in the commercial sector in 2014, Mr. Clark expressed his intent to move aggressively toward military and other government contracts for both procurement and research and development. "As we continue to expand upon our successes in the commercial sector from this year, I plan to shift some of our focus towards competing for and winning government awards through the Department of Defense and other agencies, not only for the procurement of our FR products, but for joint research projects that can development the next generation of FR for consumers and soldiers alike. By the end of 2015, I anticipate Alexium being a significant partner with the United States government." 

For more information visit: www.alexiuminternational.com.

About Alexium
Alexium International Group Limited (ASX: AJX) (OTCQX: AXXIY) holds proprietary patent applications for a process developed initially by the U.S. Department of Defense, which allows for the surface modification and attachment of nano-particles or multiple chemical functional groups to surfaces or substrates to provide functions such as fire retardancy, water proofing, oil proofing, and anti-microbial treatments. Applications under development include but are not limited to textiles, paints, and packaging, glass and building materials. Alexium's fire retardant chemical treatment are currently marketed for different fabric markets under the Ascalon™, Nycolon™, Nuvalon™, and Polytron™, Omnitron™ and Bactron™ trademarks.