The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has approved the near-term science-based emissions reduction targets of The Lycra Company.

The SBTi has confirmed that the company’s Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) target ambitions align with a 1.5-degree Celsius trajectory, as recommended by the Paris Agreement. Lycra has committed to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2021 base year and in addition, will reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services by 25% within the same timeframe.

“This has been a two-year effort to identify and select the best options for our business and create a road map for carbon reduction,” said Robert Johnston, Lycra’s executive vice president of operations. “The plan includes changes to our processes, products and key ingredients, as well as securing buy-in from internal and external stakeholders.”

To reduce Scope 1 emissions, Lycra is is moving to lower-impact energy sources at its production sites. Work is already underway to convert its Maydown, Northern Ireland, site to cleaner fuel sources, with project completion anticipated by the first quarter of 2025.

By converting purchased electricity to renewable sources through Energy Attribute Certificates, Lycra is also reducing its Scope 2 emissions. This has already been completed at the Maydown production site and at a second site in Foshan, China. Two additional sites are being converted over the next two years.

Lycra is also working with ingredient suppliers to convert to lower-impact inputs to reduce its Scope 3 emissions. An example is the company’s collaboration with Qore to use its Qira brand to develop and commercialse bio-derived Lycra fibre at scale. Over the next few years, nearly 30% of the company’s current spandex capacity will be converted to bio-derived Lycra fibre.

“We are committed to making positive change in our industry and have set ambitious emissions targets because we believe it’s essential for business success, but more importantly, it’s the right thing to do,” said Lycra CEO Gary Smith. “By making these changes, we can help reduce not only our emissions but those of our customers as well.”

www.lycra.com