DuPont, with joint development partner Genencor International, recently developed a bio-based process that uses renewable resources – like corn – instead of typical petrochemicals. Through metabolic engineering of biochemical pathways, a microorganism was engineered to use sugars from corn in a fermentation-based process as the basis for production of 1,3 propanediol (PDO), the key building block for DuPont Sorona.

Sorona is the company's newest polymer platform that can be used in applications like textile apparel, carpeting and packaging. The new bio-based method uses less energy, reduces emissions, and employs renewable resources compared to traditional petrochemical processes.

"As a science company whose mission is sustainable growth, DuPont is committed to research initiatives that provide shareholder and societal value while reducing our environmental footprint," said Thomas M. Connelly, DuPont senior vice president and chief science and technology officer. "The path to bio-based Sorona combines the emerging discipline of metabolic engineering with the leading polymer capabilities of DuPont."

Currently, DuPont uses a petrochemical-based PDO to produce the Sorona polymer in Kinston, N.C. DuPont is producing corn-derived PDO at a pilot facility in Decatur, Ill. where carbohydrate processor Tate & Lyle operates a fermentation plant. DuPont is developing plans to construct a large-scale PDO fermentation facility based on the new bioprocess.


Since the early 1990s, DuPont has been recognized as a leader in sustainability, earning a number of awards including the World Environment Center's Gold Medal. DuPont has consistently earned high marks on social responsibility and environmental progress in surveys such as Fortune Magazine's "Most Admired Companies" and the Financial Times PricewaterhouseCoopers "World's Most Respected Companies."



