Sorona - a bio alternative to Spandex from Dupont and a window into the fibres of the future

The future of Textiles is set for reinvention. In this latest FESPA podcast we talk with Samit Chevli of Dupont.
Samit has over 20 years’ experience within the digital textiles industry. His career spans the development of the Dupont Artistri inks and he holds 5 patents. As an accomplished chemist he is now working on the development of Bio-Materials for Dupont. We discuss the Sorona biopolymer which is a sustainable alternative to Spandex and offers the sportswear industry a fibre that is superior to Spandex in its performance, application and its circular recycling properties. Sorona is also insulating, extremely soft, durable and stable and can be utilized in the manufacture of carpets and a whole host of other applications. We also discuss recycling, printing and the future innovations that will transform the textile industry and the fibres it will utilise for a sustainable future.
Interested in joining our community?
Enquire today about joining your local FESPA Association or FESPA Direct
Recent news

The importance of ink for large format printers
Ink is crucial for large format inkjet printers, influencing substrate compatibility, productivity, and cost. Nessan Cleary discusses the three main types which include UV-curable ink, latex ink and eco-solvent ink. Each ink type has specific strengths and weaknesses, making printers choice dependent on budget and intended applications.

What are the benefits of Direct-To-Fabric printing?
Direct-to-fabric printing is gaining popularity for high-volume textile production, enabling on-demand, customized short runs. These printers offer ink flexibility, accommodating various fabric types like cotton and silk, though ink development focuses on faster turnaround by reducing pre- and post-processing. Compared to traditional methods, direct-to-fabric inkjet printing is a more sustainable option due to reduced water and chemical usage, and localized production.

What are the opportunities for large format providers regarding digital touch screens?
Digital touchscreens are becoming increasingly common, offering businesses opportunities to improve customer engagement and streamline operations. Nessan Cleary shares, while more expensive to implement than standard digital displays due to complex software and integration needs, touchscreens provide self-service options, multilingual support, and can reduce staffing costs in various settings like retail, transportation, and healthcare.