Lycra partners DCC for sustainable fiber production

The Lycra Company is partnering with Dairen Chemical Corporation (DCC) to create a more sustainable future for clothing. DCC will convert QIRA, a bio-based material, into PTMEG, a key ingredient in Lycra fiber. This PTMEG will have a lower carbon footprint than traditional methods.

This collaboration builds on a previous partnership between The Lycra Company and Qore to develop bio-derived Lycra fiber using QIRA, a corn-based material. DCC joins the team to convert QIRA into PTMEG, which makes up 70 per cent of the Lycra fiber.

The new bio-derived Lycra fiber is expected to be available in 2025 and could reduce the carbon footprint by up to 44 per cent compared to traditional Lycra fiber. Importantly, the new fiber will offer the same performance as current Lycra, making it an easy switch for manufacturers and retailers.

The Lycra Company's chief brand and innovation officer, Steve Stewart, emphasized their excitement about collaborating with DCC to bring this bio-derived Lycra fiber to market.

DCC was recognized for its commitment to sustainability with a Green Partner Award from The Lycra Company. DCC uses a low-impact allyl alcohol process to create PTMEG, resulting in a cleaner product with a lower carbon footprint than traditional methods. Lin Shean-Tung, Chairman of DCC, stated sustainability is no longer just a trend but a necessity for the planet's future. This collaboration represents a significant step towards a more sustainable clothing industry.