Indian group achieves dyeing innovation with Sorona
Indian apparel brand Killer has achieved an industry first by successfully treating CovationBio’s polymer Sorona in a hank-dyeing process for the first time. In this process, the yarns are loosely arranged in skeins or hanks and immersed in the dye-bath.
Killer has used Sorona in shirting material for its latest collection. It said Sorona had given the fabrics a high enough level of two-way stretch, removing the need for spandex in the fibre mix. Comfort, moisture management, “luxurious drape and a superior hand-feel” in addition to vibrant colour and “outstanding stretch and recovery” were the performance qualities the Indian brand pointed to.
For its part, CovationBio pointed out that because Sorona polymer is made from 37% annually renewable plant-based ingredients, it offers “a high-performing, responsibly sourced material option”.
It added that fibres made with Sorona are currently in use in various apparel applications, including athleisure and athletic wear, insulation, swimwear and outerwear. It is certified as a bio-based product by the US Department of Agriculture, has a class-one Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification and is bluesign-approved.
Chief executive, Dr Michael Saltzberg, described the hank-dyeing idea as “an innovation that simplifies the overall fabric processing and maintains and delivers superior performance and an additional degree of design freedom”.
CovationBio launched in June 2022 following the acquisition of China-based polymers producer Huafon Group of the DuPont Biomaterials group.
