Biotechnology provides textile manufacturers with new methods to reduce costs and improve industrial health and safety, environmental friendliness, and product quality. Monsanto's development of a genetically engineered blue cotton could significantly affect the denim manufacturing industry by reducing pollution from indigo dye effluent. Other biotechnology initiatives involving cotton include improving its resistance to insects and disease, which could reduce the use of agricultural chemicals and the resultant harmful runoff. Genetically engineered cotton features improved strength, length, fineness, and micronaire. Genetically engineered sheep provides finer fibers. New varieties of short fiber flax yield both useable fiber and linseed, as well as waste that is processable into animal feed. Ford Motor company uses genertically engineered hemp fibers in reinforcement components. Kanebo and Shimadzu manufacture biodegradable fibers based on lactic acid for surgical sutures and fishing lines.