The LYCRA Company, a key player in the development of sustainable fibre technologies, has announced its participation in the 63rd Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress (GFC) in Austria. Taking place from 11-13 September 2024, the event will see company representatives unveil their latest advancements in sustainable elastane solutions, in line with their ambitious Planet Agenda platform and 2030 Sustainability Goals.
The LYCRA Company’s commitment to sustainability has led to two key initiatives, both of which will be presented during the congress. Jean Hegedus, Director of Sustainable Business Development, will showcase the company’s groundbreaking work on bio-derived fibres, while Senior R&D Scientist David Godshall and Senior Applications Development Professional Alberto Ceria will present their progress in elastane recycling.
From Corn to Clothing: Bio-Derived Elastane
Jean Hegedus will deliver her presentation, titled “From Farm to Fiber: Developing Elastane with 70% Bio-Derived Content”, on 11 September at 14:20 CEST. She will be joined by Andrea Vanderhoff, Director of Technology and Sustainability at Qore®, a company specialising in the production of QIRA®, a next-generation material derived from renewable corn feedstock. The two will discuss their collaboration in developing LYCRA® fibre with 70% bio-derived content.
Hegedus emphasised the environmental benefits of this innovation, stating, “By utilising annually renewable dent corn, we have the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of LYCRA® fibre by up to 44%. This bio-derived alternative offers the same performance as traditional LYCRA®, but with a significantly lower environmental impact.”
This development comes as part of The LYCRA Company’s broader sustainability strategy, which aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels while maintaining the high-performance qualities that LYCRA® is known for. The bio-derived fibres, produced in partnership with Qore®, are seen as a major step towards reducing the environmental impact of the textile industry.
Closing the Loop on Elastane Recycling
Later on, the same day, at 15:55 CEST, Alberto Ceria and David Godshall will present “Pre- and Post-Consumer Recycling of LYCRA® Fiber”. This session will focus on The LYCRA Company’s efforts to tackle the challenge of elastane recycling, a critical issue in the drive towards circularity in textiles.
Ceria explained, “Elastane has traditionally been a contaminant in the recycling process, complicating efforts to create a closed-loop system in textiles. However, we have committed to finding solutions that allow for the recycling of stretch fabrics, turning them into recycled elastane.”
The company’s research into recycling technologies aims to address this issue by transforming elastane-containing garments at the end of their life into new, usable fibres. This advancement is seen as a crucial step in the fashion industry’s ongoing quest for sustainability, particularly in reducing waste sent to landfills.
Commitment to Sustainability
The LYCRA Company’s participation in the Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress underscores its commitment to leading the industry towards a more sustainable future. As a Bronze Sponsor of this year’s event, the company is keen to share its latest advancements in sustainable fibre solutions with global industry leaders.
Attendees at the GFC will have the opportunity to learn more about these innovations by visiting The LYCRA Company’s exhibition booth, which will be open throughout the congress. The company is also encouraging those unable to attend in person to visit their website for further details on bio-derived LYCRA® fibre and their recycling initiatives.
The LYCRA Company’s contributions to the congress come at a time when the textile industry is under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. With a clear roadmap outlined in its Planet Agenda platform, The LYCRA Company is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable innovation, offering solutions that reduce environmental impact while maintaining the high-quality performance standards the brand is known for.