The LYCRA Company, a global leader in developing innovative fibre and technology solutions for the apparel industry, will join the opening panel discussion at this year’s Drapers Sustainable Fashion 2022 Conference in London on 21 April 2022.

As an industry leader and driving force in developing sustainable solutions to address critical needs in the industry, The LYCRA Company is perfectly placed to participate in the discussion: ‘Shifting sustainability off the side-lines: become a driving force of change’. The session seeks to explore fashion’s role in today’s wider shift towards sustainable living and how businesses can really embrace responsibility as part of their ongoing business strategies, address consumption, and communicate and lead change that really makes a difference.

In 2008, The LYCRA Company adopted its Planet Agenda framework which touches every aspect of the company’s business. The framework is based on the belief that, to have a healthy business, we must have a healthy planet. The framework outlines three key pillars or focus areas, including corporate and social responsibility, manufacturing excellence and sustainable products. Through these three pillars, The LYCRA Company offers a range of sustainability solutions. These include various fibre innovations for fabrics that reduce or divert waste, keep materials in use for longer by increasing durability, use renewable resources versus finite ones, and in collaboration with third parties, ultimately close the loop at the end of garment or fabric life. The company is also highly committed to the safe and responsible manufacture its products. All six of its global LYCRA® fibre sites have completed the Higg self-assessment and 25 LYCRA® brand products have been awarded Gold Level Material Health certification from the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute to date.

Representing The LYCRA Company on this vital opening panel, Alistair Williamson, vice president, EMEA and South Asia at The LYCRA Company, will be joined by Ganni’s head of sustainability and CSR, Laura Bartley and global sourcing and sustainability director of Superdry, Shaun Packe. The discussion will be moderated by Drapers Record’s editor, Kirsty McGregor.

Spokesperson Biography

Alistair Williamson

Vice President EMEA and South Asia, The LYCRA Company

Alistair has held key roles within The LYCRA Company (previously a subsidiary of INVISTA) for nearly 15 years. Alistair is passionate about The LYCRA Company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and supply chain traceability. He has played an important role in bringing many of The LYCRA Company’s sustainable technologies to market, including the development and launch of LYCRA® FUSION™ technology for ladder resistance in hosiery, LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™ fibre that provides long-lasting fit in chlorinated water for swimwear and COOLMAX® and THERMOLITE® EcoMade technologies made from 100% textile waste or recycled PET.

Originally from the UK, Alistair is now based in Barcelona, Spain. Prior to joining The LYCRA Company, Alistair worked in sales and commercial roles at Nurel SA, and before that ICI Fibers in the UK. He holds a joint honours degree in French and Spanish from the University of Bristol. 

LYCRA®, FUSION™, XTRA LIFE™, COOLMAX® and THERMOLITE® are trademarks of The LYCRA Company.