Buns of Corn: SkirtSports and Sorona
by Warren McLaren, Sydney 
on 09. 3.07
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. SkirtSports make athletic skirts for sports oriented women.
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). In lay terms then Sorona might be considered a hybrid corn/polyester fibre. The way Dupont sell it, it’s the new nylon, but heaps better. SkirtSports, via OR Green Steps.
*Three years ago we observed the issues with genetically modified corn being used for Ingeo production. One way Cargill has employed to circumnavigate that concern is to offer business customers the option to ‘offset’ their order by ensuring an equal quantity of non GMO corn is added to the co-mingled corn feedstock stream. Nau use this methodology for their PLA products.
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I wonder how this corn fabric compares environmentally to the modern wonder that is bamboo fabric? Even just on aesthetics alone, I doubt it can come close to the softness and anti-bacterial qualities...
I have my worries about that modern wonder that is bamboo fabric. I know that the fact that it can be grown without pesticides is amazing, but the actual manufacturing process seems troubling. A Google search keeps bringing up the term "hydrolysis-alkalization and multi-phase bleaching" as the refining process for bamboo pulp. And getting a definition for what that process means is impossible. Does anybody know what hydrolysis-alkalization involves?
And then there's the competing bamboo manufacturing process called Lyocell that touts itself as more environmentally friendly, but not all bamboo fabric sellers use fabric made through that process. Is it really more enviromentally-friendly?
I think Treehugger should write an article about the actual manufacturing process for these bamboo and corn textiles.
I agree with Frances. I would like more information regarding the processing of these natural fibers. As a spinner I have had exposure to these and other natural fibers for years. When purchasing fiber for spinning I inquire into its history, such as, was it grown/raised in organic ways, and what chemicals may have been used in its manufacturing. Usually I do not get a clear answer, only a blank stare.
The dominant bamboo manufacturing process of hydrolysis alkalization utilizes toxic and harmful chemicals. We have researched it and our results are posted on our blog OrganicClothing.blogs.com under Bamboo: Facts behind the Fiber. We report on the chemicals and manufacturing process.
There have been improvements in the manufacturing processes but unless the bamboo fabric has been approved by a certification company like Oeko-Tex it is probably harmful to people and the environment.
Enjoy.
Michael
OrganicClothing.blogs.com