Hyosung, the world’s largest spandex manufacturer and the first global developer to commercialize bio-based spandex, has received eco-product certification from Standard Global Services (SGS) guaranteeing that its Creora bio-based spandex is made with plant-based materials and is produced in a harmless and eco-friendly environment.
SGS, an inspection and verification company, is recognized for providing an international standard for quality and reliability. Creora bio-based spandex is produced by replacing 30 percent of petroleum-based resources with bio-based raw materials derived from industrial field corn, which is also called dent corn. According to a recent third-party life cycle assessment, the manufacture of Creora bio-based spandex reduces its carbon footprint by 23 percent as compared to the production of standard spandex.
In addition, the sustainably grown feed-stock used to make the fiber is responsibly grown by farmers who target and measure their efforts to protect the land, air and water.
“Brands are looking to develop deeper connections and trust with consumers concerned with how products they love impact the environment,” said Mike Simko, Hyosung global marketing director for textiles. “As a sustainable textile solution provider, it was very important for us to certify and document Creora bio-based spandex so that our brand partners are able to pass along this verification and sustain consumer loyalty.”
Typically used with other bio-derived natural fibers and bio-derived synthetics, Creora bio-based spandex is suitable for all textile applications used for sportswear, ready-to-wear and loungewear. It provides the same ultra-stretch quality and recovery as Hyosung’s Creora Powerfit spandex, the company noted.
According to Simko, Hyosung is planning to introduce Creora bio-based spandex made with 100 percent bio-derived content.
In addition to Creora spandex, Hyosung manufactures Mipan nylon and specialty polyester. In February, Seoul-based Hyosung said it had invested $37.7 million to expand its Creora elastane plant in Brazil. The project at the company’s industrial park in Araquari increased production capacity by 80 percent to 22,000 tons per year from 12,000 tons.
In addition to the plant in Brazil, Hyosung has factories in South Korea, China, Turkey, Vietnam and India. In 2021, the company ended the year with a world production of 390,000 tons. With the expansion in Brazil, this should reach 400,000, Hyosung noted.