Covation Biomaterials ups production to meet demand for sustainable textile solutions

Covation Biomaterials — a leading producer of bio-based materials — is ramping up its commitment to meet the growing demand for sustainable textile solutions in the Chinese textile industry and the global market. 

Recently appointed CEO Steven Ackerman is leveraging the company's deep roots and expanding manufacturing base in China to drive sustainable transformation in the textile industry, as CovationBio celebrates the 25th anniversary of its signature bio-based polymer, Sorona.

"China has been the foundation of the Sorona apparel business for the last 25 years, and we're very excited to see that continue," Ackerman said in an interview at the 2025 Shanghai Intertextile. CovationBio and its key partners are showcasing their latest sustainable innovations at the Intertextile trade show in Shanghai in September.

"We see significant opportunity both for domestic consumption and for China's role as a major exporter of sustainable textiles to the world."

CovationBio's China strategy goes beyond market access. The company has established a robust technical and commercial team in China, including an R&D center in Shanghai and a new manufacturing facility in Qidong, Jiangsu province, developed with support from the Huafon Group, a Zhejiang-province-based firm that is one of the world's largest producers of spandex fiber. Huafon acquired the company in 2022 from DuPont. "Joining our business and team with Huafon has allowed us to grow within China's immense textile landscape," Ackerman said.

CovationBio is preparing to launch Bio-PTMEG, a polyether containing up to 100 percent bio-based content that will target the spandex and polyurethane markets, aiming to significantly improve the life-cycle footprint of these materials. Ackerman cited ongoing investments in new manufacturing facilities in China and continued innovation at the company's R&D centers in both Delaware and Shanghai.