The Lycra Company, a leader in developing innovative fibre and technology solutions for the apparel industry, will exhibit its latest market-driven products for denim at Kingpins Amsterdam, from 23-24 October. As part of its long-term commitment to sustainability and the company’s Planet Agenda platform, the company will be introducing Lycra EcoMade fibre at the invitation-only trade show. This new fibre is the company’s first branded elastane/spandex product that is made with pre-consumer recycled materials.

Lycra EcoMade fibre is designed to offer the same lasting comfort, fit and freedom of movement as the original Lycra fibre, but is made with waste collected at the company’s manufacturing sites and blended with virgin fibre at specific concentrations. This reduces waste and puts it back into production, the company reports.

“A recent study showed that two out of three respondents thought sustainability is one of the top three issues impacting our world today, and over 50% said they wanted to improve their footprint in the area of textile and apparel waste,” said Jean Hegedus, Sustainability Director. “Our EcoMade solutions will help our customers meet the consumer’s need for more sustainable apparel.”

Product Sustainability is one of the three interdependent pillars in The Lycra Company’s Planet Agenda, which also includes Corporate Responsibility and Manufacturing Excellence. This framework represents the company’s commitment to developing products and technologies that minimise its environmental footprint, enhancing the performance of its customers’ offerings, and safeguarding the health and safety of its employees and the communities where they work.

“We believe sustainability is a journey of continuous improvement that touches every aspect of our business, from reducing energy, water usage and waste at our sites to developing new products with excellent performance and a smaller footprint,” said Ms Hegedus. “As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability we have also set a goal to convert the vast majority of our Coolmax and Thermolite fiber business to EcoMade (post-consumer recycled) versions by 2021.”

www.thelycracompany.com