With the new company name and the grand opening of its fourth innovation center in the Greater Bay Area to join the global R&D capabilities, The LYCRA Company, a leader in innovative fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, had a remarkable year in 2019. Leveraging its innovation DNA, the company is set to further tap the opportunities in Asia with its innovative product and solutions to address the global trends shaping the apparel industry in 2020.
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Leverage eco-innovation to achieve sustainability
The apparel industry produces about 53 million tons of fiber every year. More than 70 per cent of that is sent to landfills or for incineration inc, with less than one per cent reused to make new clothes. As part of the industry’s efforts to address this challenge, The LYCRA Company created Planet Agenda, a sustainable operating framework that touches every aspect of the company’s business. It is based on the belief we can contribute to a more sustainable apparel industry by delivering insights, technology, processes, and products that add value while conserving resources. Planet Agenda is built around three interdependent pillars: product sustainability, manufacturing excellence, and corporate responsibility.
Under the platform, The LYCRA Company offers a variety of innovative fiber and fabric solutions that reduce or divert waste, and recycle materials. For example, LYCRA® EcoMade fiber is its first branded spandex made with pre-consumer content. LYCRA® fiber waste is collected from manufacturing sites and blended with virgin content at specific concentrations, bringing eco-friendly solutions to brands and retailers looking for such options.
Drive fashion industry development through fit solutions
Fit has never mattered more to consumers. They seek out garments that feel like they were made just for them. As the original inventor of spandex, the LYCRA® brand is a world leader in fit solutions.
LYCRA® MyFit™ fiber, which is a revolutionary technology engineered with a new polymer designed to deliver greater shape tolerance and a customized fit experience for a range of body shapes within a size, has the exact capabilities to help satisfy consumers’ perception on size, comfort, support and durability.
LYCRA® FitSense™ technology, a patented water-based dispersion, is created to transform shapewear, activewear and athleisure apparel by adding lightweight power and targeted support without sacrificing comfort. It is screen printed onto fabric containing LYCRA® fiber to deliver targeted lightweight support that can be combined with visual effect designs, enhancing the possibilities of fashion and moving the industry forward.
With the newest innovations like LYCRA® FitSense™ technology and LYCRA® MyFit™ fiber, The LYCRA Company truly demonstrates the power of The Science of Fit™, a collection of fit technologies from the LYCRA® brand, empowering mills, brands and retailers to create fabrics and garments with lasting flexibility, comfort and shape.
Building a solid foundation in 2019 for further innovation in 2020
The LYCRA Company chose this name to align the corporate identity with its most iconic product, LYCRA® fiber, as well as define what it stands for – innovation, global industry leadership, high-quality products, technical expertise, as well as commercial and Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Compliance.
In May 2019, The LYCRA Company opened its fourth innovation center, The Advanced Textile Innovation Center (ATIC) in China, which is a testament to the importance it places on innovation. Co-located with the company’s South China commercial sales office in Nanhai, this site was chosen because of its close proximity to our customers in Asia and the synergy between R&D, and the commercial team will help customers in the Greater Bay Area to accelerate their response to fashion market demands from the beginning of the supply chain processes. The ATIC will work with mills, brands and retailers throughout Asia, as well as Western-based companies with local sourcing offices, to create innovative fabrics and garments using The LYCRA Company’s branded textile solutions to meet global apparel market needs.
Fit has never mattered more to consumers who seek out garments that feel like they were made just for them. Redefining comfort, fit and performance in many apparel categories over the years, The LYCRA Company, as the original inventor of spandex, will continue to help its partners to create fabrics and garments that provide lasting flexibility, comfort and shape with the newest innovations.
“Looking forward to 2020, we will leverage the solid achievements in 2019, to bring us further by focusing on innovation and deepening the collaboration with our partners. With our profound understanding of the apparel and textile industry, we are confident to seize the opportunities and expand our footprint in Asia-Pacific,” said Steve Stewart, Apparel Vice President – Asia of The LYCRA Company.