Jun 15 2009
DuPont today announced that Sorona® renewably sourced fiber is now available for the commercial carpet industry. Carpet made with DuPont™ Sorona® fiber offers customers uncompromised performance plus the added benefit of an environmentally sustainable offering.
"Architects and designers who are looking for new, innovative and environmentally friendly options for sustainable building projects and who are designing for LEED® can benefit from carpets made with Sorona® fiber," said John P. Ranieri, vice president and general manager -- DuPont BioMaterials Group. "Sorona®, the latest fiber innovation from DuPont, provides both the performance and quality that you've come to expect from DuPont plus environmental benefits that the industry and others value."
Sorona® polymer for commercial carpet is 37 percent renewably sourced by weight. Carpet made with Sorona® can contribute to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) credits in three categories: MR Credit 6 "Rapidly Renewable Materials," IEQ Credit 4.3 "Low-Emitting Materials," and MR Credit 5 "Regional Materials." By using rapidly renewable resources Sorona® reduces dependence on petroleum-based ingredients. The production of Sorona® reduces the impact of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) on global warming by reducing CO2 emissions by 57 percent and reducing energy consumption by 40 percent over that needed for the production of an equal amount of nylon 6,6.
In addition to the environmental benefits, Sorona® provides uncompromised performance - the performance designers and architects know and expect. Natural, permanent stain resistance that won't wash or wear off along with bleach resistance, durability and fade resistance are just a few of the performance attributes provided by Sorona®. Standard tests conducted by an independent testing lab showed that carpets made with Sorona® fiber are resistant to stains such as coffee, cola, motor oil, mustard, soil and hot tea to name just a few.
"Now more than ever, it is important for designers to have flooring options with enhanced environmental benefits that qualify for LEED® credits without compromising performance, color or the design aesthetic. DuPont has always been a trusted name in the carpet industry and I look forward to seeing the new carpet options made with renewably sourced Sorona®," said Mary Schoenharl, interior designer with KCBA Architects.