WICHITA, Kan. – May 6, 2014 – INVISTA, one of the world’s largest integrated producers of polymers and fibers, and owner of the LYCRA® brand, introduces the only commercial offering of a bio-derived spandex available globally and for use in a wide variety of 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 announcement underscores INVISTA Apparel’s commitment to innovation. Dr. Robert L. Kirkwood, executive vice president of Apparel Marketing and Technology said, “The bio-derived LYCRA® fiber offering is another example that confirms INVISTA’s commitment to the Apparel industry.”
Arnaud Tandonnet, INVISTA Apparel global sustainability director, said, “We are very aware that sustainability topics are becoming increasingly important in the textile and apparel value chain, with growing awareness and building education on the subject at the consumer, brand/retail and mill level. In our research facilities we have successfully produced the fiber and evaluated it in fabric applications. The production of commercial quantities is planned for the 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.”
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.
About INVISTA
With leading brands including LYCRA®, COOLMAX®, CORDURA®, STAINMASTER® and ANTRON®, INVISTA is one of the world’s largest integrated producers of chemical intermediates, polymers and fibers. The company’s advantaged technologies for nylon, spandex and polyester are used to produce clothing, carpet, car parts and countless other everyday products. Headquartered in the United States, INVISTA operates in more than 20 countries and has about 10,000 employees.
Source
INVISTA, press release, 2014-05-06.
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