The LYCRA Company presents its latest eco-friendly fibre innovations, including the bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fibre, aimed at reducing carbon footprints in the apparel industry.
The LYCRA Company, a prominent player in the development of sustainable fibre and technology solutions for the apparel sector, made significant strides in showcasing its latest innovations at Performance Days Munich held from March 5 to 6. A standout feature of the exhibition was the preview of the upcoming bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fibre, an initiative expected to launch commercially later this year.
Constructed from annually renewable Iowa field corn, the bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fibre is being positioned as the world’s first large-scale commercially available renewable elastane. This new fibre aims to deliver the same level of performance as traditional LYCRA while featuring 70 percent renewable content. The anticipated outcome is a reduction in the carbon footprint of LYCRA fibre by as much as 44 percent, marking a substantial step towards sustainability in textile manufacturing.
Nicolas Banyols, chief commercial officer of The LYCRA Company, emphasized the importance of this innovation, stating, “Bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fibre seamlessly blends sustainability with the lasting comfort, fit, and performance consumers desire.” He noted that this development also aids customers as they pursue their own sustainability objectives.
In addition to the EcoMade fibre, The LYCRA Company highlighted other sustainable initiatives including COOLMAX and THERMOLITE EcoMade fibres, which are crafted from 100 percent textile waste, as well as LYCRA T400 EcoMade fibre, a recyclable polyester stretch fibre created from a mix of recycled and renewable resources. The company also introduced LYCRA ADAPTIV fibre, designed to provide a second-skin fit and accommodate a broader range of sizes.
During the event, Dr. Alberto Ceria, a senior applications development professional at the company, delivered an Expert Talk on March 6 at 10:30 am CET. His presentation, titled “The LYCRA Brand’s Journey Towards Circularity: From Renewable Resources to End-of-Life Solutions,” delved into The LYCRA Company’s commitment to sustainability and circularity, addressing developments related to eco-friendly fibre, recycling initiatives, and alignment with the European Green Deal policy package.
Furthermore, Chris Williams, lead technical and market development professional for The LYCRA Company, contributed to the discourse by participating in a Trend Talk panel discussion on the same day at 9:30 am CET. The session, “Making a Splash in Swimwear,” focused on the challenges faced in swimsuit design, with Williams illustrating how LYCRA brand solutions respond to various consumer concerns within this market segment.
LYCRA also reaffirmed its role as the presenting sponsor of the Bodywear Collective, which was situated across from its exhibition stand. The bodywear showcase featured the Innovation Zone, showcasing an array of activewear, shapewear, underwear, swimwear, and seamless garments made from high-performance fabrics developed in collaboration with leading global mills. Visitors were able to explore advanced stretch solutions from LYCRA’s expansive brand portfolio, including LYCRA ADAPTIV, LYCRA FitSense, LYCRA SPORT, and LYCRA XTRA LIFE.
The event provided a platform for The LYCRA Company to reinforce its commitment to sustainability while unveiling innovations that aim to redefine performance textiles in the apparel industry.
Source: Noah Wire Services
