LYCRA previews bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade Fiber at Performance Days

This breakthrough fibre, made from annually renewable Iowa field corn, is poised to become the world’s first large-scale commercially available renewable elastane. Delivering the same performance as traditional LYCRA fibre, it offers a one-to-one replacement without requiring any re-engineering of fabrics or garment patterns. With 70 per cent renewable content, it has the potential to reduce LYCRA fibre’s carbon footprint by up to 44 per cent.

"Bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fibre seamlessly blends sustainability with the lasting comfort, fit, and performance consumers desire," said Nicolas Banyols, chief commercial officer of The LYCRA Company. "This breakthrough innovation also helps our customers as they work towards their own sustainability goals."

The company also promoted its cooling and warming performance fibres, COOLMAX and THERMOLITE EcoMade fibre made from 100 per cent textile waste, LYCRA T400 EcoMade fibre, a recyclable polyester stretch fibre made from a combination of recycled and renewable resources, and LYCRA ADAPTIV fibre that enables a second-skin fit and inclusive sizing.

Dr Alberto Ceria, senior applications development professional, delivered an Expert Talk on 6 March at 10:30 am CET. Titled ‘The LYCRA Brand’s Journey Towards Circularity: From Renewable Resources to End-of-Life Solutions,’ the talk covered the company’s commitment to developing sustainable and circular solutions, including bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fibre, its progress on end-of-life initiatives to recycle LYCRA fibre, and efforts to align with the European Green Deal policy package.

Chris Williams, lead technical and market development professional, expanded The LYCRA Company’s presence at the show by participating in a Trend Talk panel discussion on 6 March at 9:30 am CET. The session, ‘Making a Splash in Swimwear,’ explored key challenges in swimsuit design, with Williams explaining how LYCRA brand solutions address common consumer pain points in the category.

LYCRA returned as the presenting sponsor of the Bodywear Collective, located across from its stand. Inside the exhibit, the Innovation Zone featured tunnels displaying activewear, shapewear, underwear, swimwear, and seamless garments crafted from high-performance fabrics sourced from leading global mills. Advanced stretch solutions from LYCRA ADAPTIV, LYCRA FitSense, LYCRA SPORT, and LYCRA XTRA LIFE brands were also showcased.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (HU)