DuPont Sorona fibre extends apparel fabric options

DuPont Biomaterials has taken the development of its Sorona fibres - which are made from a polymer derived from renewable plant sources such as corn instead of traditional petrochemical ingredients - to the next level with variants designed for trousers and jeans, seamless apparel and swimwear.

The new products have been created with strategic customers, and provide apparel designers with sustainable, high-performance fibres and fabrics.

Sorona offers "exceptional" softness, comfort stretch and recovery, and chlorine and UV resistance, the company says. Its production is also claimed to use 30% less energy use and cuts CO2 emissions by 63% compared with fibres like nylon.

For trousers and jeans, the new comfort stretch staple fibre made with Sorona can be blended with a variety of cellulosics such as cotton, wool or rayon to create fabrics with excellent recovery and natural touch.

In addition to its low temperature dye and finish manufacturing conditions, draw textured yarn (DTY) with Sorona also has a cotton-soft feel; while air jet textured yarn (ATY) is colourfast after several washes and exposure to UV, resulting in bright or neon colours. It is said to be ideal for seamless underwear, sports Ts and leisure wear.

The Sorona filament fibre for swimwear combines soft hand with UV- and chlorine-resistant performance that stands up to colour fading after frequent uses.

The fibre also has built-in wrinkle release performance and a new full dull luster for trench coats and outerwear.