dupont sorona insulation vs down

Sorona fiber is a comfort stretch . When it comes to staying warm in the great outdoors, some people prefer down insulation. Like warmth, down is also known for its compressibility. As the company looks to elevate its performance attributes and sustainable ingredients, it has partnered with DuPont Industrial Biosciences using its Sorona fiber a high-performance fiber made from renewable plant-based ingredients. DowDuPont Specialty Products, a division of DowDuPont (NYSE: DWDP), is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials, ingredients and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Other people prefer synthetic insulation. The new fabric collections offered by mills are tested and certified through the DuPont Sorona Fabric . However, the shell fabric found on synthetic jackets is often burlier and more abrasion-resistant, meant to take a beating on rock, when packed with sharp ski equipment, and around town. However, youll find that goose down is often still used in the highest-end products because it canreacha higher fill-power rating than duck down. But the largest benefit to choosing synthetic over downand why well always recommend it for certain environmentsis the added wet-weather assurance. Insulation materials made with DuPont Sorona fiber also will be introduced as a revolutionary alternative to down and feather filling. Its easy to point the finger at down: were probably all familiar with the ethical concerns involved with sourcing feathers, which include ducks and geese suffering live plucking and force feeding. Since the early 1900s, DuPont Sorona has been revolutionizing the world of fibers and polymers. In some cases, the two types of insulations are blended together throughout the sleeping bag. About REPREVE Made by Unifi, Inc., REPREVE is the global leader in branded recycled performance fibers, transforming more than 16 billion plastic bottles into recycled fiber for new clothing, shoes, home goods and other consumer products. In reality, both have pros and cons. Premium goose down can reach 900 fill-power, and potentially even higher. Now customers and selected partners can access our list of preferred fabric mills producing Sorona around the world. Natural down is also incredibly resilient andif properly cared forcan be used for many years. We hope its helpful in choosing your next down jacket or sleeping bag. This technology can be found at Spyder, Rossignol, and Carhartt. The first is protect yourself from getting wet from snow and rain (and sweat), which is accomplished by wearing a waterproof/breathable shell. The newsletter sign-up system is currently down for maintenance. Down vs Synthetic Insulation: Which is Best? Perhaps the single biggest selling point of synthetic insulation is its ability to insulate when wet. Privacy Policy / CA Consumer Privacy / Terms of Use, Visiting from another country? The higher the fill power, the better the down will insulate, because there is less chance of cold spots forming (spots where the down has shifted away, leaving an uninsulated area). that are most prone to collecting moisture. Sorona fabrics are tested for content and performance through our Common Thread Certification Program. There are several reasons for this: down has great insulating properties, its light and compresses very well, making it easy to roll up and stuff into tight spaces when you dont need it. Its also inexpensive and efficient. Todays backpacking sleeping bags offer not only exceptional warmth for their weight For all the minimalist backpackers and bikepackers, thru-hikers, and ounce-counters out there, the lightweight gear world is full of options to complete your sleep system. The structure of down provides warmth by creating thousands of tiny air pockets. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. Unifi collaborates with many of the worlds most influential brands in the sports apparel, fashion, home, automotive and other industries. In addition, the REI Product Impact Standardsinclude the basic animal welfare expectation that apply to all brands selling products containing virgin down. This unique blend increases the surface area of the insulationallowing it to dry fast, resist odors, absorb heat, and provide a high warmth-to-weight ratio. We are constantly exploring new opportunities to develop and market innovative solutions across industries, and this unique collaboration underscores that commitment to delivering on both high performance and sustainability in apparel, said Renee Henze, Global Marketing Director, DuPont Industrial Biosciences. Some products use a blend of down and feathers, but by definition, down is different than feathers. Below we outline down and synthetic insulation and break down their warmth-to-weight,compressibility, comfort,durability, cost,and more. The type of insulation directly affects the warmth, weight, water resistance, compressibility and price of sleeping bags and jackets. However, they by no means create an impenetrable barrier, and will not stand up to truly inclement conditions like sustained rain or snow. Synthetics, on the other hand, lack the natural durability of down. Sorona is more than the change we need its an innovation that allows personal expression while activating a shared desire to improve our world. This hybrid construction can provide the benefits of both materials while limiting each materials imperfections. Goose down fill power can go as high as 800. Fill power is the term used to measure downs ability to loftand thus trap heat. My Heart, the creations of Karen Lyons Kalmenson, April 30 is national adopt a shelter pet day, Jasha Lottin, Oregon Woman, Took Nude Photos Inside Horse Carcass, Vanderbilt University fined $8,156 for lab animals dying unnecessarily, what you can do, An Autistic Activist Responds To Temple Grandin. However, if submerged in water or exposed to heavy rain, even treated down will get wet, so do your best to keep your down-filled items dry. For example, consider the synthetic Mountain Hardwear Shasta 15 and down REI Co-op Magma 15 sleeping bags. The Mens Cauldron Hoody and the Womens Dena Jacket are very good options for the coldest winter conditions, and both come with a relatively reasonable pricetag. It's tough to beat a great down jacket, whether its for casual use or tearing around the backcountry. Youngone, a global manufacturer of outdoor and athletic clothing, textiles, footwear, is leveraging DuPont Sorona renewably sourced fibre and Unifi Repreve recycled content to debut three new insulation products that offer soft, dimensionally stable and sustainable options for cold-weather garments and bedding materials . When it comes to insulated winter jackets, most people instantly think of a down jacket as the highest quality insulation to look for. Last edited on 25 December 2022, at 22:18, Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award, http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-27700019_ITM, Decoding the DNA decoder - Cosmic Log - msnbc.com, "Biopolymer for Carpet, Apparel and Automotive - DuPont Sorona - DuPont USA", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sorona&oldid=1129525714, This page was last edited on 25 December 2022, at 22:18. The Sorona design marks, and all trademarks and service marks denoted with , SM or are owned or used under license by Covation Biomaterials LLC or its affiliates, unless otherwise noted. Down insulates by trapping air and is prized for being light, easy to compress, long-lasting and breathable. [3], Sorona is a co-polymer of 1,3-propanediol (obtained by fermentation) and petroleum-derived terephthalic acid (TPA) or dimethyl terephthalate (DMT). Its super warm and light at the same time, giving you that pillowy feeling that you just wont get with synthetics. Down also comes in a number of different grades. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, health and wellness, food, and worker safety. Flocus is insulating, lightweight, water-resistant, and fully biodegradable. That said, some synthetic fills can release micro pieces of plastic into the water during each wash, an issue that is becoming more and more of a global problem. Thankfully, many companies are using high-tech vegan materials that are better for both birds and the environment. Proper storage is essential, including keeping your jacket or sleeping bag unstuffed in your gear closet. A durable foam insulation board with shiplap edges, DuPont Styrofoam Brand Deckmate Plus Extruded Polystyrene Insulation is easy, fast and flexible to use. Dupont Sorona is an eco-efficient performance fiber made in part from annually renewable plant-based ingredients. [4], Sorona can theoretically be produced from about 37% renewable resources as [3] DuPont won a 2003 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award for their development of the fermentation process for the production of 1,3-propanediol from corn-derived glucose in recombinant Escherichia coli K-12. Both duck and goose downs are classified by fill power, which is a measure (in cubic inches) of how much space is filled by one ounce of down. These synthetic microfibers are far finer than down feathers, so they can trap more air in less space, which naturally makes for better insulation than down. Primaloft: This patented synthetic microfiber thermal insulation was originally developed for the U.S. military in the 1980s for use in clothing and sleeping bags. The two brands are exploring new developments to seamlessly combine the softness, drape and stretch recovery of Sorona fibers and down, utilizing the proprietary process from Thindown to create a new category of a blended down insulated fabric. You may find yourself replacing synthetic products more often compared to down products. Can we declare a winner in the down vs. synthetic debate? Other people prefer synthetic insulation. The lower warmth and better breathability help indoors, and that makes them the more versatile piece for daily wear. A more relevant distinction is knowing whether a synthetic insulator is short-staple or continuous filament. Black Diamond, Patagonia, The North Face, and Adidas are among the retailers that offer PrimaLoft. Throughout testing, we found that the Micro Puff was impressive overall but still not as warm as a down jacket of a similar price and weight. There are now numerous types of high-performance synthetic insulations available, and several come close to down in terms of warmth-to-weight ratio. Thermore, a producer of vegan thermal insulation for apparel and sleeping, has been on the leading edge of thermal insulation technology and continues to be a pioneer in the development of advanced fibers that help your body maintain its natural warmth. Goose or duck feathers - all OR down is a part of the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). For the Alpha Industries MA-1 Echo Flight Jacket. Down is also highly compressible and lightweight. We invite you to read more about our other practices in our Stewardship Report. Stationary activities that create less sweat. From jackets and pants to gloves and hats, the only thing Sorona Aura insulation fill retains more than its shape is warmth. Italso tends to be less expensive than down insulation, and it's durable and hypoallergenic. One thing to keep in mind when stuffing your down jacket or sleeping bag is that leaving it stuffed can cause permanent damage. Privacy Statement and Two decades ago, down was clearly the better overall option. If you fail to take your gear out of its compression bag or stuff sack, you can damage the down and it may never regain its original loft. The ECOLoft eco-elite insulation collection features three products: Both the REPREVE and Sorona brands are working with revolutionary products in their own class, and with this partnership, were joining forces to continue to innovate within the outdoor market and beyond, said Meredith Boyd, Senior Vice President of Global Innovations for Unifi. Synthetic Insulation: Whats the difference? Patagonias Micro Puff Jacket (with synthetic PlumaFill insulation) is even advertised as having the best warmth for weight of any jacket in the companys lineup. Read more about us. Keep in mind that the quality of down (and therefore its loftiness) matters in this equation: the higher the fill power, the more the down will compress. Down is extremely light, compressible, warm, and known for having a long lifespan. The company produces several thermal insulators, including Thermore Freedom, which consists of countless micro-gaps that move and adapt to your body with every movementfrom walking around town to more enthusiastic pursuits in the great outdoors. Thankfully, programs like the Responsible Down Standard and Patagonias Traceable Down Standard certify responsibly sourced down, making it possible for the consumer to shop ethically. Why do you cause their suffering? Several use down and feathers. This makes jackets lined with Primaloft insulation water-resistant, lightweight, very soft, highly packable and a lot less bulky than jackets made with down insulation. This bio-based fiber insulator is lightweight, breathable, warm, quick-drying, and resilient. Proprietary technologies have been developed over the years to treat down at a microscopic level with a water-resistant application. Down feathers are used in clothing and comforters, but for geese and ducks, the down industrys methods are anything but comfortable. You simply squeeze an in-pocket pump that forces air into the chambers surrounding your torso, and you can adjust the level of insulation whenever you need to. Omni-Heat: This is Columbia Sportswears proprietary brand of thermal insulation, which is advertised as the highest heat retention per gram of synthetic insulation in the industry. Duck down can achieve fill-power ratings no higher than 750 or 800. Sorona Aura Fabric for Breathable Insulation Sorona Aura by DuPont is a sustainably sourced insulation for outdoor clothing that provides warmth and long-lasting shape while reducing the impact on the environment. Fill power is represented by the number of cubic inches one ounce of down will occupy. This technology can be found at Rossignol, Homeschool Outerwear, and NuSleep Bedding. This down-like alternative is created with synthetic polyester high-tech fibers that provide comfort and superior support of your head, neck, and shoulders. The Sorona polymer gives you the opportunity to offer a more eco-conscious product without compromising performance or increasing cost of production. Further, over time, it gets packed out and loses its ability to loft, resulting in a shorter lifespan than down. Sorona Unveils New Brand Website, Customer Portal, New Website Celebrates Common Thread Fabric Certification Program, Apparel Sub-brands. This technology can be found at Arcteryx, Eddie Bauer, and Mountain Equipment. Synthetics, on the other hand, arent as good at trapping heat and therefore breathe much more effectively. When it comes to the sustainability debate, neither down nor synthetic escape without blame. Sorona contains 37% annually renewable plant-based ingredients. Sorona polymer-based fibers offer the perfect comfort stretch performance without breaking down overtime due to heat, UV rays, or chlorine exposure. Why do you refuse to defend innocents? Wanted to invest in a down jacket for the winter and saw the MA-1 Echo Flight Jacket. Since the early 1900s, DuPont Sorona has been revolutionizing the world of fibers and polymers. Deciding between down and synthetic really comes down to what environment youre venturing into and what activities youll be undertaking. Thomas uses cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Privacy Policy. This bio-based fiber insulator is lightweight, breathable, warm, quick-drying, and resilient. Find and evaluate OEMs, Custom Manufacturers, Service Companies and Distributors. When youre shopping for a new sleeping bag or puffy jacket, one of the most important decisions youll have to make is between down and synthetic insulation. Just keep in mind that products with down insulation are typically more expensive than products with synthetic fill. Compression sacks can pack a down sleeping bag into an incredibly small package, but you should use the much larger cotton or nylon sacks to let them expand when they are in storage. We consider durability to be a tie, with each insulation having their advantages and disadvantages. This is an interesting topic: Down plumage is inherently durable, but down products tend to leak over time and therefore slowly lose warmth (if you see a feather protruding, massage it back in rather thanpulling it out). In what region Down is perhaps the most effective insulator on Earth: Its warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility are unbeatable, and its extremely soft and cozy to boot. For sleeping bags, its not even close: The loft of down puts it head and shoulders above synthetic fill in terms of comfort. The Magna is not only slightly warmer, but its considerably lighter, clocking in at 1 pound 12.2 ounces compared to the Mountain Hardwears 3-pound-3.7-ounce weight. And if you think birds used for down dont die for their feathers, think again. Further, synthetic jackets will often have a more sweatshirt-like shell (the Patagonia Nano-Air, for example), rather than the shiny, swishy nature of most down shells. But your search for a warm, comfortable and convenient jacket that will get you through your ski trip and the worst days of winter does not have to begin and end with down. Down vs. This ECOLoft collection will elevate sustainable, high-performance insulation solutions for the outdoor market and offer brands a versatile option for cold-weather products, said Renee Henze, Global Marketing Director for DuPont Biomaterials. Not all insulation is created equal. These ultrafine fibers trap warmth in air pockets, providing great warmth though not quite as good as down. You can stuff a lightweight down jacketto about the size of a water bottle, and much more tightly than a comparable synthetic. Loses insulation ability when wet and is slow to dry. Sorona and Repreve polyester combine for an environmentally renewable/recycled insulation that is extremely soft with excellent loft. Once their feathers are ripped out, many are paralyzed with fear and are left with gaping woundssome die as a result of the procedure. In the end, the most sustainable solution is to buy nothing at all and do what you can to extend the life of what you already own. Down acts as a natural thermal vest for birds by trapping air and preventing the loss of body heat. In the end, no synthetic insulation yet matches the loftiness or warmth-to-weight ratio of down. Using fibers from milkweed, a native plant encompassing more than 100 species that grows in abundance in North America, Monark Fibre produces materials that provide insulating power equivalent to downs. In recent years, advancements in technology have resulted in synthetic insulation that comes closer and closer to matching the packability and warmth-to-weight ratio of down. Fill weight sometimes can be difficult to track down as gear manufacturers are more keen to market fill power, but in the end, both are necessary to get an accurate idea of how warm a given down product is. These include Patagonias PlumaFill, The North Faces ThermoBall, and Outdoor Researchs VerticalX SuperStrand. Grado Zero Espace is an Italian-based company that creates many vegan textiles, including Grado VeganTech Insulationa natural insulation composed of flowers, biopolymers, and Aerogel. All in all, we think its a great way to maximize the performance benefits of both types of insulation, including warmth where it matters most with added assurance against rain and snow. In the cruel industry, the birds are often plucked alive for their downthe soft layer of feathers closest to the skin. In 2019, a collaboration between Thindown and Sorona resulted in an innovative and sustainable insulation material that combines all the advantages of real down, such as warmth, lightness and breathability, with the softness, drape and stretch of Sorona fiber. Contrary to popular belief, down insulation is not made of feathers. The ECOLoft eco-elite insulation collection is the first post-consumer recycled product that also incorporates bio-based materials for innovative, breakthrough insulation. Down can be broken into a spectrum of effectiveness. The jacket itself goes for about $250-$300, what's the quality like compared to the alternatives? Flocus is a revolutionary textile brand producing insulation made with fibers harvested from kapok pods found on tropical ceiba trees. Copyright 2023 Thomas Publishing Company. Its hypoallergenic, machine-washable, and tumble-dryable. Before you rush to the nearest store to look for a great season-end deal on a well-insulated winter jacket, stop and think about how you can make your next purchase an ethically conscious one. It's the insulation of choice in cold, dry conditions, or whenever reducing weight and saving space are top priorities. Weve tested a huge range of models over the years, from entry-level options from Outdoor Research and Columbia to premium alternatives from Patagonia, Arcteryx, and Montbell. Fibers just a fraction of the diameter of a human hair form a tight collection of air pockets that trap body heat and keep the cold out. Simply put, you need more synthetic insulation to achieve the same warmth, resulting in more weight. Although the down may not cause an allergic reaction itself, lower quality down can harbor dust particles, debris or other non-down materials, causing a reaction in sensitive people. The typical range is around 450 to 900, with 900 being the warmest and lightest but also the priciest. In others, the insulation may be in different locations, for example, durable synthetic on the bottom of a sleeping bag and lofty down on top. Thinsulate has a plethora of products designed for virtually all weather conditions. WILMINGTON, DEL. Down soaks up water, clumps together, and loses its loft, thereby losing its insulating properties. Skip to contentEnglish Apparel Agile Aura Luxe Profile Revive Sorona for Faux Fur Carpet Our Story News Certification Portal One of these things is NOT like the other , If your god demands unrelenting suffering and death, maybe you should invent another god NOT offended by nonviolence and least harm, But if you dont ignore the violent suffering of animals, kids will get cavities . If you were to wear a down jacket when hiking or cross-country-skiing, however, you would overheat rather quickly. And you always can throw on a breathable softshell jacketon top for added protection. Both down and synthetic have pros and cons when it comes to performance, so choosing the right type of insulation for your use can turn a cold, uncomfortable outing into an enjoyable time outside. However, down has a few *ahem* downfalls: First, down is incapable of efficiently repelling moisture. Depending on the product, you can expect to save one-third or more by going with a comparable synthetic piece. Sorona Aura insulation provides long-lasting shape and warmth for any climate, from jackets and pants to gloves and hats. Both duck and goose downs are classified by fill power, which is a measure (in cubic inches) of how much space is filled by one ounce of down. So a sleeping bag rated +20F with 700-fill-power down will be lighter than a +20F bag using 600-fill-power down (assuming the fabrics and other features are comparable in weight). An error has occurred; the feed is probably down. Adventures requiring the lightest weight possible. DowDuPont intends to separate the Specialty Products Division, which will be called DuPont, into an independent, publicly traded company. Show me your humane slaughter footage , See how, as an animal consuming climate activist, your actions really are meaningful . It maintains thermal efficiency in wet and humid conditions, is more cost-effective than down, and retains warmth over timeeven after multiple uses. Stay up to date on industry news and trends, product announcements and the latest innovations. Synthetic fibers gradually break down no matter how well you care for them. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. 24 reviews with an average rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars. Architectural & Civil Engineering Products, Select From Over 500,000 Industrial Suppliers. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938. Company. Longtime REI Expert Advice editor Joe Pasteris is now a freelance writer based in Vermont. Down fill, and particularly premium goose down at 800-fill power and above, offers the ultimate in lightweight warmth. Synthetic insulation is better in wet conditions, and is easier to clean. Down is actually the plumage foundunderneath the exterior feathers on waterfowl such as ducks and geese and consists of soft, fluffy, wispy filaments. My concern was that this would be the difference between buying a merino (down) vs. polyester (sorona) sweater but I can't be sure on that comparison. A great alternative to down was created by 37.5 (formerly known as Cocona), which uses active carbon derived from coconut shells that are blended with recycled polyester. For more information, please see our Sorona is DuPont de Nemours, Inc.'s brand of Triexta, a subclass of polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT)[1] named and commercialized in 2000. Its also a good choice for casual outdoor enthusiasts who only use their gear a handful of times a year and for people who prefer to save money. . Many other leading outdoor brands have also adopted the RDS standard. They are, however, a bit less durable than continuous filament and the insulation can move around to create cold spots. However, many major manufacturers switched to duck down in recent years due to the cost of goose down. Editors note: REI has adopted theResponsible Down Standard (RDS) for 100% ofREI Co-op brand products with virgin down and feathers. to find humane clothing out there Few synthetics can beat down's longevity. It has a high level of breathability, which disperses the excess heat generated during everyday workouts, and can trap an extremely large amount of air, preserving the bodys natural temperature. For updates about how DuPont Industrial Biosciences is helping customers deliver cost-effective products with superior performance and sustainability, follow@DuPontBiobasedon Twitter or visit our website athttp://biosciences.dupont.com. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. While Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags and Quilts of 2023, Best Cheap Down Jacket: REI Co-op 650 2.0, Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody. If a label doesn't specify fill power, it is usually because the down falls in a range below 400 cubic inches or the item contains less than 75% down. The Companys proprietary PROFIBER technologies offer increased performance, comfort and style advantages, enabling customers to develop products that perform, look and feel better. Plumtech, an exclusive Save The Duck padding, is a synthetic down made from recycled polyester using innovation thats completely animal-free. The transparency and traceability of this program ensures that your choice to partner with Sorona is meaningful and impactful, today and in the future. How about the courage and decency to NOT harm? Its used in the outdoors market as well as for home furnishings and bedding in over 500 brands. The industry is now embracing pure bamboo for insulation in quilts, comforters, and pillows. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. http://biosciences.dupont.com/solutions/biomaterials/. North Face makes a range of jackets with Primaloft insulation like the mens Lhotse Primadown Jacket or the womens Quimby insulated jacket. For more information or to experience the products firsthand, please visit the DuPont Sorona booth (54089-UL) and Unifi, Inc. booth (55129-UL). Goose and duck down fill are among the premier insulators on earth, trapping air and creating pockets of warmth around your body with very little weight. In order to find your best match, keep these points in mind: Down insulation works well for just about everyone, unless you frequently find yourself in extremely wet conditions or youre on a budget.

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