Invista, which owns the Lycra brand, said it will make a bio-derived version of its Lycra spandex fibers available worldwide in time for fall/winter 2015 apparel fabrics and garments.


 

Approximately 70 percent by weight of the new Lycra bio-derived spandex fiber comes from a renewable source made from dextrose derived from corn. The use of a renewable feedstock in the making of this new Lycra bio-derived fiber results in a lower CO2 emissions footprint than spandex produced using traditional raw materials.

 

 

With this new Lycra brand offering, Invista is providing retailers and manufacturers of stretch fabrics a spandex fiber option that can impact the overall lifecycle analysis of the fabric and garment. The new fiber is made to Invista’s high standards and specifications. Therefore, Invista does not anticipate a need to re-engineer fabrics and finishing processes, or garment patterns.

 

 

“The bio-derived Lycra fiber offering is another example that confirms Invista’s commitment to the apparel industry,” said Dr. Robert L. Kirkwood, executive vice president of apparel marketing and technology.

 

 

Invista’s research facilities have successfully produced the fiber and evaluated it in fabric applications and the comapny is planning to begin producing it in commercial quantities for use in autumn/winter 2015 and spring/summer 2016 collections.

 

“We look forward to working with our customers throughout the value chain as we expand this new development,” said Arnaud Tandonnet, Invista’s apparel global sustainability director. “We are very aware that sustainability topics are becoming increasingly important in the textile and apparel value chain, with growing awareness on the subject at the consumer, brand/retail and mill level.”

 


Invista Apparel and Advanced Textiles business is committed to its own sustainability program, PLANET AGENDA, which is focused on three main objectives:

 


  • Minimizing Invista environmental footprint by conserving resources, reducing emissions and eliminating waste at its manufacturing plants. 

  • Offering competitive products that meet the needs of the apparel markets using fewer resources and to enhance the environmental performance of all fabrics. 

  • Protecting the health and safety of our workers and communities and participating in local stewardship initiatives.