DuPont Industrial Biosciences (DuPont) announced collaboration with Unifi, Inc. to create high-performance, renewably sourced garment insulation, offering leading apparel brands a new sustainable choice for cold-weather products. This partnership brings together two leaders in the materials space with unique product offerings, combining DuPont Sorona polymer and Unifi Repreve to produce cold-weather apparel insulation that is uniquely soft and extremely durable, with excellent shape retention.
DuPont Sorona is made from 37 per cent renewable plant-based ingredients, using 30 per cent less energy with 63 per cent fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as compared to nylon 6. The exceptional softness, inherent stain resistance and uncompromising durability of Sorona offer customers in a wide range of industries a more sustainable, high-performance materials option. The polymer has been used in everything from carpeting to Indian sarees.
Repreve is a high-quality fibre containing recycled materials, including plastic water bottles. Unifi’s proprietary process turns plastic bottles into certified fibre, which is then used in thousands of different fabrics and products available globally. Michael Saltzberg, Global Business Director for Biomaterials at DuPont, says, “The combination of Sorona and Repreve provides brands the opportunity to use a high-performance, durable insulation that dries quickly and keeps its shape even after washing. The new insulation’s unique warmth and durability will bring customers streamlined outerwear, made from ecofriendly materials, while maintaining maximum warmth and breathability.”
Ning Hongjun, President of Unifi Asia Pacific, says, “This collaboration will give customers the freedom to choose a new type of garment insulation – one that is better for the environment without compromising performance. With our expertise in recycled polyester staple fibre and DuPont Industrial Biosciences’ industry-leading Sorona, we look forward to seeing this breakthrough technology be widely adopted by leading brands.
