Hyosung, the world’s largest producer of spandex, is increasing its sustainability efforts by transitioning from corn-based to sugarcane-based bio-spandex. The company has partnered with Geno to produce bio-BDO, a key component of spandex, from sugarcane at its Vietnam plant. Sugarcane was chosen for its higher yield, carbon sequestration, and potential to produce renewable energy from its byproduct, bagasse. The new bio-spandex will have the same performance and quality as traditional spandex, but with a lower carbon footprint. Hyosung plans to produce up to 50,000 tons of bio-BDO by 2026 and will start transitioning existing customers to the new sugarcane-based spandex next year. The company has also introduced new bio-spandex options, including regen BIO + and regen BIO Max, which offers a 27% lower carbon footprint and 82% less ozone depletion than conventional spandex. Partner brands, such as PANGAIA, have already successfully integrated Hyosung’s bio-spandex into their products and are on board with the sugarcane transition. The move is expected to have a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions in the textile industry and beyond.
Hyosung makes the switch to eco-friendly sugarcane for production of bio-based spandex.
