Skip to main content

Watch: How LYCRA® EcoMade fiber is made

Published on Apr 21, 2020
Planet Agenda is The LYCRA Company’s global sustainability framework that includes corporate social responsibility and sustainable products.
This article is also available in Chinese, Simplified
LYCRA® EcoMade fiber is the company’s first branded spandex made with pre-consumer recycled material. Delivering the same lasting comfort, fit, and freedom of movement as other LYCRA® fiber offerings, this technology reduces waste sent to landfill by putting material back into production.
“The product itself is no different than other types of LYCRA® fiber – in terms of properties or qualities – but the way it’s made is different”

Sergio Stella

Operations manager, Paulinia manufacturing site, Brazil

The LYCRA Company

Recycling to reduce waste

We take yarn that for whatever reason didn’t make into a box, cut it and dissolve it into a polymer solution, mix it with regular (polymer) solution, and then make it into LYCRA® fiber again. This helps the environment by reducing waste, while giving customers and consumers something they’re looking for,” Stella added.

LYCRA® EcoMade fiber is GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified and supports the Product Sustainability pillar of The LYCRA Company’s Planet Agenda platform, which focuses on developing products that use fewer resources and improve the environmental performance of fabrics and garments throughout their lifecycle. Planet Agenda, which also includes pillars on Corporate Responsibility and Manufacturing Excellence, represents the company’s commitment to developing products and technologies that minimize its environmental footprint, enhance the performance of its customers’ offerings, and safeguard the health and safety of employees and local communities.

"At The LYCRA Company, we’re focused on developing solutions for a circular economy. Under our Planet Agenda platform, we are also working on technologies for recycling stretch garments, extending garment wear life, and helping our customers use fewer, and more sustainable resources."

Jean Hegedus

Sustainability Director

The LYCRA Company

20%
Pre-consumer recycled materials can be found in jeans with LYCRA® EcoMade technology

Looking for more sustainable fibers?

The LYCRA®, THERMOLITE® and COOLMAX brands all have EcoMade fiber options.

Explore EcoMade brand

Enjoy peace of mind

Many of our products have been tested and certified by GRS, OEKO-TEX® and more.

Review certifications

You may also like

Meet us at ISPO Munich, December 3-5

LYCRA®
Event

Visit The LYCRA Company Booth at Performance Days

Nov 03

LYCRA®
Event

Visit The LYCRA Company Booth at the Functional Fabric Fair

Oct 26

LYCRA®
Event

See What’s New in Denim at Kingpins Amsterdam

Oct 19

LYCRA®
Event