DuPont Continues Its Legacy of High Performance Fiber Innovation
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Contact:
Michelle Reardon
302-774-4005
FTC
Approves New Name For Fiber Made from DuPont™ Sorona® Renewably Sourced
Polymer
Wilmington, Del., Mar. 23, 2009 - The
U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has determined that fibers made from
PTT1, the latest polymer innovation from DuPont, offer a unique
combination of attributes which merit a new generic name, triexta. PTT polymer sold for the manufacture of triexta
for apparel and flooring applications is sold under the DuPont™ Sorona®
brand.
Photo:Sorona® used by Perry
Ellis Caption:DuPont™
Sorona® renewably sourced polymer is used to make triexta fibers that are
currently used in apparel, including this Perry Ellis men’s shirt. Photo Link.
Photo: SmartStrand® Carpet
with DuPont™ Sorona® Renewably Sourced Polymer Caption:SmartStrand® carpets from Mohawk Industries contain 37 percent
renewable content by weight, thanks to DuPont™ Sorona® renewably
sourced polymer Photo courtesy of Mohawk Industries. Photo Link.
Triexta fibers provide a unique combination of
exceptional durability and stain resistance compared to previously available fibers.
The FTC based its decision on testing of residential carpets, which demonstrated that
triexta significantly outperforms carpets made
from polyester in resilience and durability.
Today’s announcement is the latest
development in the long tradition of DuPont innovation in materials science. DuPont
shaped the polymer and fiber industry with the discovery and commercialization of
well-known high performance fibers such as nylon, rayon, DuPont™ Kevlar® and Nomex
®.
“The designation of the generic triexta is
significant and further validates the importance of the superior performance and
distinct attributes offered by Sorona®,” said John
P. Ranieri, vice president and general manager -- DuPont BioMaterials Group.
“In addition to the performance advantages recognized by the FTC, Sorona® is made
in part from renewably sourced ingredients. It is the most transformative polymer to
be introduced into the fibers industry in the last 20 years.”
DuPont began production and distribution
of Sorona® through its global network in 2000. Fabrics made with Sorona® offer a
unique combination of attributes that are perfect for today’s busy lifestyles, including:
exceptional durability and softness; built-in permanent stain and ultraviolet (UV) ray
resistance and outstanding elasticity while resisting stretch and sag over time.
Sorona® fabrics provide a carbon dioxide reduction of 30 percent while the Sorona®
manufacturing process reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 63 percent, compared
to conventional nylon made from petroleum.
Fibers made from Sorona® are sold into
a variety of markets including floorcovering, apparel and upholstery. Apparel
manufacturers including Izod, Timberland, Calvin Klein Golf and Spun Bamboo®
have incorporated fibers from Sorona® into their product lines. Automotive
manufacturers also are developing Sorona® in carpeting, headliners and upholstery
for auto interiors.
“Our dealers told us that the current
generic was misleading to consumers, and that they found it difficult to clearly
communicate the benefits of this different and superior product when it fell into the
same category as traditional polyester products,” said Jeff Lorberbaum, chairman
and chief executive officer – Mohawk Industries. “We are thrilled with the FTC’s
ruling. Carpets with Triexta offer a true performance advantage to customers.”
Since its launch in 2005, SmartStrand®
with DuPont™ Sorona® renewably sourced polymer has been synonymous with
exceptional durability, softness and permanent stain resistance that is engineered
into the fiber and will never wear or wash off. This superior performance has been
viewed by the flooring industry as different from any other fiber they have seen.
Comments from floor covering dealers include:
Benjamin Davies, Special Effects/Garmar
INC., North Carolina: “We have found that the PTT products have had a superior
history as far as resilience and stain resistance as well as much softer hand in feel.”
John P. Millar, Avalon Carpet Tile and
Flooring, New Jersey: “Forcing a fiber, with much better performance than polyester,
to use the same name will limit consumer’s ability to purchase the product. As a
retailer with 12 locations, I am very interested in clearing up the confusion between
the fibers mentioned above. Being in the industry for 40 years, there is a big
difference between the fibers.”
DuPont continues to grow the Sorona®
business with the recent completion and start up of the new capacity expansion at
Kinston, N.C. The facility, brought online in the fall of 2008, now is producing
commercial product to support the growing global demand for Sorona®
polymer.
DuPont is a science-based products and
services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating
sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere.
Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative
products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and
construction; communications; and transportation.
3/23/09
The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The
miracles of science™ and Sorona® are registered trademarks or trademarks of
DuPont or its affiliates.
SmartStrand® is a registered trademark
of Mohawk Industries Inc.
