The LYCRA Company and Dairen Chemical Corporation Collaborate to Pave the Way for Sustainable Fiber Production
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- Published: Friday, 10 May 2024 03:19
The LYCRA Company, renowned for its groundbreaking innovations in the apparel and personal care industries, has taken another significant stride towards sustainability. In a groundbreaking move, they have entered into a letter of intent with Dairen Chemical Corporation (DCC) to convert QIRA—a brand of BDO (1,4-butanediol)—into low-impact PTMEG, a crucial ingredient in the production of bio-derived LYCRA fiber. This collaboration positions DCC as the world's pioneer in mass-producing low-impact bio-PTMEG, marking a transformative leap in eco-friendly fiber manufacturing.
This partnership builds upon previous collaborations, notably with Qore, aimed at enabling the production of bio-derived LYCRA fiber using QIRA. Now, with DCC onboard, QIRA will be converted into bio-PTMEG, constituting 70% of the fiber's renewable portion. The process, developed by DCC, utilizes an allyl alcohol process, significantly reducing environmental impact and boasting a lower carbon footprint compared to conventional methods using natural gas or coal.
The alignment between The LYCRA Company, Qore, and DCC extends beyond mere business transactions; it embodies a shared commitment to research and development, health and safety, sustainability, and environmental conservation. In recognition of DCC's sustainability efforts, Steve Stewart, Chief Brand and Innovation Officer at The LYCRA Company, presented DCC with a prestigious Green Partner Award.
Lin Shean-Tung, Chairman of DCC, emphasized the significance of sustainability in their partnership, stating, "Sustainability is not merely a trend, but an imperative for the future of our planet." He expressed gratitude for the Green Partner Award and underscored their dedication to advancing sustainable practices alongside The LYCRA Company.
The bio-derived LYCRA fiber made with QIRA, slated for release in early 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the industry as the world's first renewable spandex available on a large scale. Utilizing annually renewable field or dent corn, this fiber has the potential to reduce the carbon footprint by up to 44% compared to traditional LYCRA fiber. Moreover, it offers equivalent performance, ensuring a seamless transition for mills, brands, and retailers.
Stewart expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with DCC, highlighting the combined efforts to create a more sustainable value chain. He emphasized the potential for further reductions in carbon emissions, thanks to the utilization of bio-derived inputs, conversion at a QIRA BDO facility powered by wind energy, and DCC's low-impact process.
Dairen Chemical Corporation's longstanding commitment to sustainability has been evident in its various initiatives, from raw materials management to process enhancements, leading to significantly lower carbon emissions compared to competitors.
Simon Chuang, Vice President of Global Sourcing and Procurement at The LYCRA Company, emphasized the importance of sustainability as a competitive advantage. He reaffirmed the company's commitment to partnering with suppliers like DCC, driving meaningful sustainability efforts across the industry.
In essence, the collaboration between The LYCRA Company and Dairen Chemical Corporation represents a significant milestone in sustainable fiber production, setting a new standard for environmental responsibility in the apparel industry.