September 4, 2007 at 3:49 am (NEW FABRICS, RECYCLED FABRICS)
Fabrics derived from corn can reduce the carbon footprint of production significantly. This is great. But if more than 60% of the carbon emissions derive from usage of fabrics/clothes (washing, drying, ironing, dry cleaning) then what do we do there? we need to simultaneously educate consumers about product care in order to have a more significant impact on carbon emission reductions. Nonetheless, still a thumbs up for these products.
| We understand that currently Sorona is currently only 37% renewably sourced by weight, with the remainder being derived of petrochemicals. Specifically TPA or terephthalic acid, which is also a key component in the product of the polyester or PET (polyethylene terephthalate). |
| If you’ve been reading about textiles fashioned from corn or PLA (polylactic acid) you’ve probably been hearing plenty about Cargill’s NatureWorks Ingeo.* It is about to joined by a newish product, that we hinted at around a year ago, is soon to be seen in women’s sportswear. It’s Dupont’s Sorona, also made with a corn feedstock. Dupont figure that using a renewable compared to their usual fossil fuel based nylon reduces greenhouse gas emissions 60% and uses 40% less energy, equating to an annual energy savings equivalent to 36 million gallons (~136 million litres) of petrol/gasoline. Skirtsports plan to release a Green Skirt in a 40% bio-blend of Sorona in the northern spring of 2008. |
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