A goal without progress is just a promise.
So, to detail the tangible progress it has made toward 2030 sustainability goals, fiber and technology solutions company The LYCRA Company has published its third annual Sustainability Update and abridged Global Sustainability Scorecard for fiscal-year 2023.
“Our latest sustainability update demonstrates our long-term commitment toward a more sustainable future,” said Steve Stewart, chief brand and innovation officer of The LYCRA Company. “Delivering on our ambitions to drive meaningful change as we make progress against our 2030 goals inspired this year’s theme, ‘Turning Ambition Into Impact.’”
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Known as Planet Agenda, The LYCRA Company’s sustainability framework focuses on three pillars: product sustainability, manufacturing excellence and corporate responsibility. These align with five United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Progress typically hinges upon innovation, and the Sustainability Update highlights the recent technological advancements and programs The LYCRA Company has undertaken.
These include advances in the commercialization of bio-derived LYCRA® fiber made with QIRA®, the introduction of industrial compostable LYCRA® fiber for the personal care segment, the extension of technologies that bring added durability to the LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber portfolio, and a 26 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions from the previous year.
Under the bio-derived LYCRA® fiber initiative, the key change will be the use of QIRA®, next-generation bio-derived feedstock made from field corn that replaces feedstock made from fossil fuels. The investment by Qore®, the makers of QIRA®, to build a new, high-efficiency wind-powered plant in Iowa underscores the commitment to sustainably scaling the product. Not only is field corn an annually renewable crop, but using it for new applications such as LYCRA® fiber also helps support local farmers — some third and fourth generation.
“I’m excited about our products [corn] being used in sustainable fashion,” said Iowa farmer Steve Kuiper. “If we can make life for our consumers better, that’s a win for everybody.”
The longer a garment can stay in use, the less impact it can have on the environment. Therefore, the company is also committed to helping make apparel more durable. In 2023, The LYCRA Company extended its LYCRA ADAPTIV® fiber offerings to include two new fiber technologies: LYCRA ® ADAPTIV Black fiber (for long-lasting color retention in activewear and athleisure garments) and LYCRA® ADAPTIV Xtra Life fiber (for durable swimwear and activewear). Both products deliver the benefits of the original LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber, now made even more durable to help extend garment life.
Focusing on a material’s end of life is also a key component of its sustainability goals, and The LYCRA Company announced its industrial compostable LYCRA® fiber for the personal care segment as another major initiative for 2023. The company also launched LYCRA® FiT400™ fiber, which helps set the stage for circularity, a key priority for the company. To solve the challenge of recycling stretch garments, The LYCRA Company is developing a LYCRA® fiber that can easily be extracted from used garments and re-spun into new fiber. Testing so far has demonstrated that both the fiber and fabric properties were very similar to virgin quality, showing progress and further potential as the company continues its work with a number of garment recyclers to define the compatibility between their recycling processes and LYCRA® fiber.
Recently, the company announced the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has approved its near-term science-based emissions reduction targets. The LYCRA Company has committed to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 50 percent by 2030 from a 2021 base year. In addition, the company will reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 25 percent within the same timeframe.
To download a copy of the 2023 Sustainability Update or Global Sustainability Scorecard, CLICK HERE.