The Lycra Company, a global leader in developing innovative and sustainable fibre and technology solutions for the apparel industry, is showcasing samples made with bio-derived Lycra EcoMade fibre at Performance Days Munich, stand BW09-10, on 5 and 6 March. This highly anticipated fibre, set to launch commercially later this year, is made from annually renewable Iowa field corn to help reduce the environmental impact of apparel.

Bio-derived Lycra EcoMade fibre will be the world’s first large-scale commercially available renewable elastane. It delivers equivalent performance to the original Lycra fibre and serves as a direct replacement with no need for fabric, process, or garment pattern re-engineering. The product contains 70% renewable content and can potentially reduce the carbon footprint of Lycra fibre by up to 44%.

"Bio-derived Lycra EcoMade fibre seamlessly blends sustainability with the lasting comfort, fit, and performance consumers desire," said Nicolas Banyols, chief commercial officer of The Lycra Company. "This breakthrough innovation also helps our customers as they work towards their own sustainability goals."

The company is also promoting its cooling and warming performance fibres, Coolmax and Thermolite EcoMade fibre made from 100% textile waste, Lycra T400 EcoMade fibre, a recyclable polyester stretch fibre made from a combination of recycled and renewable resources, and Lycra ADAPTIV fibre that enables a second-skin fit and inclusive sizing.

Dr Alberto Ceria, senior applications development professional, will give an Expert Talk on 6 March at 10:30 a.m. CET. The talk, titled ‘The Lycra Brand’s Journey Towards Circularity: From Renewable Resources to End-of-Life Solutions’, will cover the company’s commitment to developing sustainable and circular solutions, including bio-derived Lycra EcoMade fibre, and its progress on end-of-life initiatives to recycle Lycra fibre, creating virtuous loops and addressing the European Green Deal policy package.

Chris Williams, lead technical and market development professional, is expanding The Lycra Company’s reach at the show by participating in a Trend Talk panel discussion on 6 March at 9:30 a.m. CET. ‘Making a Splash in Swimwear’ explores key challenges in swimsuit design. He will explain how Lycra brand solutions function and address common consumer pain points in the category.

Lycra brand returns as the presenting sponsor of the Bodywear Collective, located across from its stand. Inside the exhibit, the Innovation Zone features tunnels displaying activewear, shapewear, underwear, swimwear, and seamless garments crafted from high-performance fabrics sourced from leading global mills. Advanced stretch solutions from the Lycra Adaptiv, Lycra FitSense, Lycra Sport, and Lycra Xtra Life brands enhance the collection.

www.lycra.com