Hyosung invests $1 billion in sustainable spandex production.

South Korean textile leader Hyosung is betting big on sustainability with a new $1 billion vertically integrated manufacturing plant in Vietnam. This first-of-its-kind facility will produce bio-based spandex, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.

Hyosung is already a major player in spandex production, and this new plant represents a significant step forward. The company has previously launched recycled nylon and spandex options, demonstrating their commitment to eco-friendly textiles.

The key to the new plant is Bio-BDO, a sustainable alternative to traditional raw materials. Made by fermenting sugarcane sugars, Bio-BDO is produced in partnership with Geno, a leader in sustainable materials. This reduces reliance on coal and lowers the overall environmental impact.

The vertically integrated nature of the plant brings additional benefits. By handling all stages of production on-site, Hyosung minimizes transportation needs, leading to faster production times and a more resilient supply chain. The new regen Bio Spandex offers the same performance and fashion options as traditional spandex, even coming in clear and black colors to avoid unwanted transparency.

Transparency is also a priority for Hyosung. The new product boasts ISCC+ certification, a globally recognized sustainability standard. This assures brands and retailers that they are getting a truly bio-based product.

The plant is slated to begin production in 2026 with an initial capacity of 50,000 tons annually. Hyosung plans to scale up to 200,000 tons to meet growing demand and aims to increase sustainable spandex sales to 20 per cent by 2030.

Looking beyond fashion, Hyosung sees potential for Bio-BDO in other industries, including engineering plastics, packaging, and footwear. This investment positions Hyosung as a leader in sustainable material production.