Hyosung is introducing a range of certified sustainable materials at the Functional Fabric Fair in New York City. These announcements are designed to support a range of needs throughout the value chain.
In particular, Hyosung is expanding its offering of regen BIO spandex, replacing nearly all the fiber’s raw materials – previously made with petroleum-based resources – with renewable resources including regen BIO, regen BIO+ and regen BIO max spandex.
Hyosung was the first company to commercialize, at-scale USDA and SGS certified bio-based elastane that is partly made with renewable resources. Brand adoptions include activewear from Pangaia that combines a bio-nylon with Hyosung regen BIO spandex, as well as Icebreaker, which introduced a blend of regen BIO spandex with signature merino wool. Others have combined regen BIO spandex with luxurious silk, lyocell and organic cotton.
As part of its corporate ESG commitment to achieving net zero by 2050, and supporting the wider textile industry to meet evolving sustainability goals, Hyosung partnered with sustainable materials provider Geno to begin construction at its plant in Vietnam. This will produce Bio BDO derived from sugarcane, commencing Q2 2026. Hyosung’s partnership with Geno establishes the world’s first fully integrated manufacturing site for bio-based elastane, from renewable raw material to fiber. The project will fast track the production of Bio BDO with an annual capacity of 50,000 tons in the second half of 2026. The aim is to expand capacity up to a total of 200,000 tons/year to meet expected industry demands.
“We’re thrilled to announce our expanded regen BIO Spandex offering, which significantly decreases our reliance on fossil fuels and reduces carbon emissions,” said Julia Nam, Hyosung U.S. senior marketing manager – textiles. “As a leading provider of sustainable textile solutions, we aim to deliver diverse textile options that cater to the varied needs of our mills, brands and consumers, and we are proud to accomplish this goal.”
While regen BIO spandex addresses the needs of those seeking bio-based materials, for brands and retailers more interested in recycled rather than bio-based materials, Hyosung will present fabrics and garments crafted with its multi-functional and certified as 100 percent recycled regen spandex, nylon and polyester.
Highlighted will be its RCS-certified, 100 percent recycled regen spandex, made from industrial reclaimed waste, and GRS-certified 100 percent post-consumer recycled regen ocean nylon, made from discarded fishing nets.
To meet consumer desire for sustainable apparel that offers comfort with performance benefits, Hyosung has uniquely added multi-function properties in the manufacture of its 100 percent recycled regen Polyester fibers. For instance, Hyosung’s regen Askin Polyester offers cool touch, UV protection and quick drying benefits. Its regen Xanadu is a mechanical stretch fiber made with a blend of recycled post-consumer PET and plant-based materials providing a performance fit.
Hyosung can be found at Functional Fabric Fair NYC, Javits Center, booth #538, July 16-17.
