In Delaware, DuPont Industrial Biosciences was a top two contender for World Textile Awards’ Fiber Producer of the Year, which is given every year. Dupont received runner up recognition for their partially plant-based Sorona fiber which is renewable, soft, durable, stain resistant. It is about 37 percent renewable plant-based as it uses glucose from corn starch and a fermentation process to result in the fiber that is now used in clothing and carpets, with potential to be used in other markets as well.
North Carolina based Unifi, Inc. won the Fiber Producer of the Year award for their REPREVE fiber which is made from recycled plastic bottles and are used by Patagonia and other clothing manufacturers including other sports brands.