Wilmington – The Lycra Company has announced the global launch of a new insulation made from textile waste. The firm is also exhibiting its first-ever performance fibres made from 100% textile waste at the upcoming Performance Days online exhibition.

Textile waste represents a substantial sustainability challenge across the textile and apparel industry. Lycra says it is committed to doing its part to help the planet by introducing Coolmax and Thermolite EcoMade technologies made from 100 per cent textile waste, which lays the groundwork for a circular system. These fibres are the result of a strategic collaboration between The Lycra Company and Itochu Corporation, a general trading company with strength in consumer-related sectors, including the textile business.

Coolmax EcoMade technology made from 100 per cent textile waste delivers sustainable moisture-wicking cooling to sports and everyday apparel, while Thermolite EcoMade technology made from 100 per cent textile waste provides sustainable lightweight warmth whether walking around town or climbing up a mountain. These technical performance fibres are used in activewear, outerwear, workwear, socks, denim, ready-to-wear, underwear, and even bedding.

The textile waste technology platform has now been extended to include new Thermolite EcoMade insulation made from textile waste that will be introduced at Performance Days. The new broad offer enables the apparel value chain to choose sustainable solutions for their collections made from the recycled resources they prefer - textile waste or recycled PET bottles available previously.

“Consumers are increasingly concerned about climate change and are more aware of the impact textile waste is having on the planet. They want to see brands and retailers reducing waste and offering more sustainable fashion,” said Arnaud Ruffin, vice president Brands and Retail at The Lycra Company. “Our newest EcoMade performance fibres and insulation are made from fabric scraps collected from cutting room floors, instead of being incinerated or sent to a landfill. Best of all, EcoMade products deliver comparable performance to the virgin fibres they replaced.”