Cart
0
Derived From Nature. Designed For Performance.
Sorona® Fabric: The Complete Guide to DuPont's Plant-Based Performance Fibre
Sorona® is a 37% plant-based performance fibre developed by DuPont™, built to outperform spandex and virgin polyester while cutting energy use and emissions at the source. EMPULSE® is one of the few Australian streetwear labels building entire collections around it.
37%
Plant-based content, derived from corn glucose (Bio-PDO™)
30%
Less energy used in production compared to nylon 6
63%
Fewer greenhouse gas emissions versus conventional nylon production
0%
Spandex required, Sorona® stretches and recovers on its own
What Is Sorona® Fabric?
A Fibre Engineered to Replace Spandex and Virgin Polyester
Sorona® is the brand name for a polymer technically known as PTT (polytrimethylene terephthalate), sometimes referred to generically as triexta. It was developed by DuPont™ by combining bio-based 1,3-propanediol (Bio-PDO™), fermented from plant sugars such as corn glucose, with petroleum-based terephthalic acid (PTA).
The result is a polymer with a distinctive zig-zag molecular structure that gives Sorona® fibres a natural, spring-like resilience. That structure is what allows Sorona® to stretch and recover its shape without relying on spandex or elastane, while resisting wrinkles, UV degradation, and chlorine damage far better than standard polyester.
Every fabric carrying the Sorona® name is verified through DuPont's Common Thread Certification Program, which tests both fibre content and performance to confirm the fabric is genuinely what it claims to be.
Visit the official Sorona® site (sorona.com) →
See how Sorona® performs against heat, stretch, and everyday wear.
Why Sorona® Outperforms the Alternatives
Built For Heat, Movement, and Colour That Lasts
Heat Resistant
Won't Degrade in the Sun
Unlike spandex, Sorona® resists breakdown from heat and UV exposure, holding its shape and stretch through repeated wear in Australian conditions.
Chlorine Resistant
Pool and Ocean Ready
Sorona® resists chlorine degradation, making it a genuine alternative to spandex in swimwear and activewear that sees regular pool or saltwater exposure.
Colourfast
Stays Vibrant, Wash After Wash
Sorona® fibres hold dye more effectively than standard polyester, keeping colours true through repeated washing instead of fading out.
Spandex-Free Stretch
Bends, Then Bounces Back
The zig-zag polymer structure gives Sorona® natural elasticity and recovery, delivering stretch performance without a single thread of spandex.
Quick-Dry
Moisture-Wicking by Design
Sorona® pulls moisture away from the skin and dries fast, making it suited to training, travel, and everyday Australian climates alike.
Certified
OEKO-TEX® & USDA Biobased
Sorona® fabrics carry OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 and USDA Certified Biobased Product certifications, independently verifying safety and renewable content.
Shop The Range
EMPULSE® Sorona® Quick-Dry Streetwear
Every design below is printed on genuine Sorona® quick-dry fabric, made to order in Australia.
Best Seller
Sydney Tee | Black
From $45.00 AUD
Sydney Tee | Forest Green
From $45.00 AUD
New ArrivalCapri Limoncello Tee
From $45.00 AUD
Espresso Martini Tee
From $45.00 AUD
Under $50Margarita Tee
From $45.00 AUD
New ArrivalTequila Tee
From $45.00 AUD
Summer FitsPineapple Tee
From $45.00 AUD
Strawberry Tee | White
From $45.00 AUD
Sorona® vs The Alternatives
How Sorona® Compares
| Property | Sorona® | Virgin Polyester | Spandex / Elastane |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renewable content | 37% plant-based | 0%, petroleum-based | 0%, petroleum-based |
| Stretch & recovery | Natural, no spandex needed | Minimal without added spandex | High, but degrades over time |
| UV & chlorine resistance | High | Moderate | Low, breaks down quickly |
| Energy to produce | Up to 30% less than nylon 6 | Standard | High |
| GHG emissions | Up to 63% less than nylon 6 | Standard | High |
| Third-party certification | Common Thread, OEKO-TEX®, USDA Biobased | Varies by mill | Varies by mill |
Sources: DuPont™ Sorona® (sorona.com) and independent fabric industry reporting, linked throughout this page.
Trusted Across Fashion and Activewear
Sorona® Is Already Worn By the World's Biggest Brands
Sorona® isn't a niche fabric. It's used by major global activewear and outdoor brands, including in the Australian market.
Lorna Jane
The Australian activewear label uses Sorona® across select performance pieces, a clear signal of its credibility in the local market.
Global Outdoor & Sport Brands
Sorona® is used internationally across activewear, casualwear, and performance gear by major outdoor and sportswear manufacturers.
EMPULSE® Australia
EMPULSE® builds entire quick-dry streetwear collections around Sorona®, made to order, with no excess stock and no overproduction.
Our Eco Materials
Explore EMPULSE® Sustainable Fabrics
Organic Cotton
Soft, Durable, Low-Impact
Grown without synthetic pesticides, using up to 91% less blue water than conventional cotton.
Learn About Organic Cotton → Recycled PolyesterPlastic Waste, Reworn
Mechanically recycled polyester cuts greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 70% compared to virgin polyester.
Learn About Recycled Polyester → Our MissionThe Full Sustainability Story
See how made-to-order production, eco materials, and ethical sourcing come together at EMPULSE®.
Read Our Sustainability Story →Sorona®, Explained
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sorona® fabric made from?
Sorona® is a polymer called PTT (polytrimethylene terephthalate), made by combining bio-based 1,3-propanediol (Bio-PDO™), fermented from plant sugars such as corn glucose, with petroleum-based terephthalic acid. The result is roughly 37% plant-based by content.
Is Sorona® the same as polyester?
Not exactly. Sorona® belongs to the same broad polyester family but uses a different polymer structure (PTT rather than standard PET), giving it natural stretch, better UV and chlorine resistance, and a partially renewable, plant-based content that standard polyester doesn't have.
Does Sorona® replace spandex?
Yes, in many applications. Sorona®'s zig-zag molecular structure gives it natural elasticity and shape recovery, allowing garments to stretch and bounce back without any spandex or elastane in the fabric blend.
Is Sorona® fabric sustainable?
Sorona® uses up to 30% less energy and emits up to 63% fewer greenhouse gases in production compared to nylon 6 from non-renewable resources, and around 37% of its content comes from renewable plant sources rather than petroleum.
How do I know a Sorona® garment is genuine?
Authentic Sorona® fabric is verified through DuPont's Common Thread Certification Program, which tests fibre content and performance. Look for the official Sorona® hangtag or supplier certification when buying.
Is Sorona® good for activewear and swimwear in Australia?
Yes. Sorona®'s resistance to heat, UV exposure, and chlorine makes it well suited to the Australian climate, and it's already used by Australian activewear brands like Lorna Jane in select performance pieces.
What's the difference between Sorona® and recycled polyester?
Recycled polyester (rPET) is made from existing plastic, typically post-consumer PET bottles, reprocessed into new fibre. Sorona® is made from a mix of renewable plant-based material and virgin petrochemical input, engineered specifically for natural stretch and recovery. Both reduce reliance on virgin petroleum compared to standard polyester, through different methods.
Sustainable Performance, Worn Every Day.
- 37% plant-based content, verified through DuPont's Common Thread Certification Program.
- Heat, UV, and chlorine resistant, built for the Australian climate.
- Made to order at EMPULSE®, with zero excess stock and zero overproduction.