PORTLAND, OR, Jan. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc. (NAT, OTCBB: NADVF, TSXV: NAT) received a purchase order from Hanesbrands Inc. to deliver approximately 10,000 lbs of Crailar(R) Organic Fiber in the first quarter of 2010.

"This first purchase order supplies Crailar fiber in a full-scale trial using our proposed manufacturing equipment supplier in Germany in January 2010. Thereafter, we will conduct another full scale blending trial on commercial scale spinning equipment at a Hanesbrands facility," stated Ken Barker, CEO of NAT. "After the trial is completed, the next phase in product development would be to conduct consumer testing. With positive results from these tests, we will begin finalizing commercialization plans to bring Crailar products to market."

About Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc.

Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc. is committed to unlocking the potential of renewable and environmentally sustainable biomass resources from hemp and other bast fibers. The company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Crailar Fiber Technologies Inc., is developing proprietary technologies for production of bast fibers, cellulose pulp, and their resulting by-products, in collaboration with Canada's National Research Council and the Alberta Research Council. Crailar(R) technology offers cost-effective and environmentally sustainable processing and production of natural, bast fibers such as hemp and flax, resulting in increased performance characteristics for use in textile, industrial, energy, medical and composite material applications. The company was founded in 1998 as a provider of environmentally friendly, socially responsible clothing and adheres to a "triple bottom line" philosophy, respecting the human rights of employees, the environmental impact of the company's operations and fiscal responsibility to its shareholders. See www.naturallyadvanced.com

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Forward Looking Statement Disclaimer

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements or information are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements or information and including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties relating to: any market interruptions that may delay the trading of the Company's shares, technological and operational challenges, needs for additional capital, changes in consumer preferences, market acceptance and technological changes, dependence on manufacturing and material supplies providers, international operations, competition, regulatory restrictions and the loss of key employees. In addition, the Company's business and operations are subject to the risks set forth in the Company's most recent Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and other SEC filings which are available through EDGAR at www.sec.gov. These are among the primary risks we foresee at the present time. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc.