Certified Fabrics from ‘Preferred’ Mills

What was the response to the Common Thread project? Could you share numbers (given that it was launched almost two years ago)?
Kiki Chen: Since the launch of the Common Thread Fabric Certification in May 2020, we have certified more than 1,390 pieces of fabric and insulation from 484 fabric mills. The Sorona certified fabrics are currently in use and on the shelves of numerous international brands. The most exciting progress is that brands are actively requesting a Sorona certificate and hangtag for their fabric selection.

How does the PMN work for apparel brands? What is it that bands should be looking for? And what is it that they will get?
Kiki Chen: We created this network to streamline communication and transparency with the mills and with apparel brands. Similar to the mills, apparel brands sign up in the Sorona customer portal. Here they have access to a list of the preferred fabric mill partners along with the collection of different fabric types offered by each mill. From here, the brand can easily search by application to find the fabric they are looking for. The system sends the brand leads directly to the fabric mill contact to follow up. It’s that simple!

You obviously have to market this new initiative to apparel brands? (1) How are you doing this? (2) What has been the response so far? Could you share numbers, especially in terms of geographies?
Kiki Chen: In our over 20-year history of producing Sorona, we’ve built a strong network of mills and brands worldwide. These steps we’ve taken to certify Sorona fabrics with trusted partners is propelling us into a new level of accessibility. Our customer portal and list of Preferred Mills removes friction in the communication process between brands and mills and offers an added level of credibility for all parties to rely on. Our Preferred Mill partners and brand partners are all very supportive and happy about the program. Since we launched it in 2020, all of our efforts have been in the digital space through our website and social media channels.

How many mills are there in the PMN? Could you give a breakup in terms of geographies?
Kiki Chen: In total, there are 75 Preferred Mill partners. We currently have 44 fabric mills and insulation makers in Asia and Europe as well as 31 fabric mills and insulation makers for the domestic China market. Beyond that, there are over 400 mills carrying a variety of certified Sorona fabrics. We are continuing to add more qualified mill partners to the programme so that Sorona fabrics are even more accessible.

In today's changing world, some of the keywords are circularity, LCAs, etc. How does Sorona fare? Could you share details about any studies you have done in this regard?
Alexa Raab: Sorona answers the global call for sustainably sourced fabrics, bridging the personal and societal at a defining moment in our ecological stewardship. Sorona gives brands the opportunity to make sustainability a reality. As it relates to traceability and transparency, Sorona fabrics are tested for content and performance through our Common Thread Fabric Certification Program. The transparency and traceability of this program ensures that a mill or brand’s choice to partner with Sorona is meaningful and impactful, today and in the future.

Because Sorona polymer is partially plant-based, it reduces reliance on solely fossil-based materials. Sorona also reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in its production process. The revolutionary Bio-PDO compound turns a formerly chemical process into an eco-efficient biological one. It’s a fermentation process that’s similar to making beer!

Sorona also extends the life of any garment that it’s in. Stretch garments won’t sag and bag, coloured garments won’t fade, and natural fibers won’t pill as easily. Choosing fabrics made with Sorona means creating long-lasting, quality garments. We’re proud to have a network of partners who share our values and are striving to make fashion more sustainable and responsible.