Global chemicals giant DuPont has announced that, through its Industrial Biosciences arm, it has completed the expansion of its manufacturing facility in Kinston, North Carolina.
The site is the home of the high-performance, bio-based Sorona polymer brand, which in recent times has seen strategic investment of DuPont. In this most recent investment, DuPont has expanded the facility’s capacity for Sorona production by 25%.
Sorona polymer is widely used in apparel and carpet applications
The company states that the investment “is reflective of the growing demand for Sorona polymer throughout the carpet and apparel markets and an emerging global focus on building the circular economy.”
Michael Saltzberg, PhD, global business director of DuPont Biomaterials, says: “This expansion is a direct result of the significant growth in global demand for Sorona polymer and a testament to DuPont’s commitment to manufacturing innovative products in North Carolina.”
He continues: “We are grateful for the support from partners that made this project possible including Lenoir County Economic Development, North Carolina Community College System, Lenoir Community College, Duke Energy Corporation, North Carolina Department of Commerce and North Carolina Department of Transportation.
DuPont Sorona is one of the leading bio-based polymers on the market. Currently, the innovative material is made from 37% renewable plant-based ingredients and has a wide range of versatile applications.
Compared to similar materials, such as nylon 6, Sorona requires 30% less energy and releases 63% fewer greenhouse gas emissions during production. While Sorona is aiming to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, the polymer also combines eco-efficiency with function, as its high-performance qualities can be used in a range of applications.
This combination of qualities means that the polymer provides softness, permanent stretch and recovery, inherent stain resistance and durability to offer a sustainable, high-performing material option for customers throughout the supply chain.
“We are thrilled at the continued success of both the outstanding team at the Kinston facility, as well as all of our team members and partners that have helped to drive the success of a high-performance, sustainable polymer in the marketplace,” says René Molina, global product manager for DuPont Biomaterials.
The manufacture of the Sorona polymer at the site in Kinston supports more than 90 staff. With the start up of the new line four new employees are to be recruited.
The recent investment is the latest in what has been a positive two-year spell for the company. Speaking to WTiN, Renee Henze, global marketing director, DuPont Biomaterials, says: “We’re really excited to partner with companies such as Cordura and we have a really beautiful fabric that has Cordura on the outside.
“The middle is a waterproof, windproof barrier from our sister business DuPont Tate & Lyle, and the inside is a Sorona fleece,” adds Henze. “We are excited to collaborate and leverage their knowledge and our knowledge and put the technologies together.”
Earlier this year, Sorona became bluesign approved in a key achievement for DuPont Biosciences. The Bluesign system unites the textile supply chain to jointly reduce its impact on people and the environment, ensure responsible use of resources and guarantee the highest level of consumer safety.
“This recognition from bluesign as a verifier and supporting partner of the responsible industry underscores the commitment of Sorona brand to embracing sustainability and minimising environmental impact in the long term,” says Rene Molina, global product manager for DuPont Industrial Biosciences.
Molina continues: “With Sorona polymer, we’re not only providing customers with an eco-efficient, practical materials solution, but also laying the groundwork for a sustainable textile future – and this certification truly reinforces our mission.”
To qualify for the bluesign system partnership, the DuPont Sorona brand completed a full company assessment and roadmap meeting, demonstrating its merit for the certification of its products.
According to a report by Transparency Market Research (TMR), the global biopolymers market is projected to grow at an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.0% between 2017-2025. In 2025, the global market is expected to be worth US$7,774.7m, rising from US$2,422.1m in 2016.
