Sorona®
Sorona® is a partially plant-based performance fiber made using renewable corn-derived glucose. Developed as an alternative to traditional petroleum-based synthetics, it replaces a portion of fossil fuel inputs with bio-based ingredients while maintaining strength, stretch, and durability. The result is a resilient, soft-touch fiber that offers flexibility and shape retention, blending performance innovation with a reduced reliance on non-renewable resources.
The corn comes from farms in the Midwest of USA
The process begins by fermenting plant sugars from corn into propanediol (PDO). This bio-based ingredient is then polymerized with other components to form Sorona® polymer chips. These chips are melted and extruded through spinnerets to create continuous filaments, similar to how polyester is produced. The fiber can be engineered for softness, stretch, durability, or insulation depending on how it’s spun and finished.
Compared to conventional nylon production, the bio-based PDO process uses less energy and generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Partially renewable (37% plant-based content), Lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to petroleum-only synthetics, Durable and resilient, extending garment lifespan, Can reduce the need for elastane in some blends due to built-in stretch
USDA certified, Oeko-Tex Standard 100, BlueSign
Why we chose to use it
We chose Sorona® because it offers the performance of a synthetic with a lighter environmental footprint. By replacing a portion of fossil fuel inputs with renewable plant-based content, it reduces reliance on non-renewable resources while maintaining the strength, stretch, and durability modern garments require.
For us, it’s about thoughtful balance. Sorona® allows us to build structure, shape retention, and long-lasting resilience into our pieces — extending their lifespan and reducing the need for excessive blends or added elastane. It’s a material that supports comfort and performance without compromising our commitment to smarter, lower-impact innovation.
