The Lycra Company, the developer of apparel fibre and technology solutions, has entered into an agreement with bio-derived chemistries company Qore, to enable ‘world’s first large-scale commercial production of bio-derived spandex using next-generation 1,4-butanediol (BDO), as one of its main ingredients.
The Lycra Company said its collaboration with Quore means 70% of lycra fibre content will be derived from annually renewable feedstock, media reported.
This change could potentially reduce the carbon footprint of lycra fibre by approximately 44%, as opposed to the product made from fossil-based resources, while maintaining the same high-quality performance parameters of the traditional lycra fibre.
Speaking to the media, the Lycra Company’s CEO Julien Born, said, that as part of sustainability goals, they are committed to delivering products that support a more circular economy while helping the apparel and personal care customers reduce their footprint.
“The Lycra Company is especially pleased to collaborate with Qore, a company that shares our vision for innovative, sustainable solutions,” he added saying that it will help to develop a bio-derived lycra fiber at a commercial scale.
Qore’s CEO Jon Veldhouse told the media that this collaboration demonstrates that Qira directly replaces conventional BDO and thus significantly improves the fibre’s sustainability profile.
Qira will be produced at Cargill’s biotechnology campus and corn refining operation in Eddyville, Iowa.
The facility, which is currently being built, will start operations in 2024. The first renewable lycra fibre made with Qira will be produced at The Lycra Company’s Tuas, Singapore manufacturing site in 2024.
The Lycra Company is currently seeking commitments from brands and retail customers who are pursuing bio-derived solutions for apparel.
Comment here