Hyosung’s Mike Simko with the company’s US and European marketing representative Nancy Fendler at ISPO 2020.

Hyosung introduced its new regen programme of 100% recycled multi-performance fibres at the recent ISPO Munich sports show from 26-29 January 2020, including spandex/elastane, polyamide and polyester grades.

“We are the largest manufacturer of spandex, with a third of global capacity, as well as manufacturing substantial quantities of polyamide and polyester, but we have been cautious about our approach to this issue,” said Mike Simko, Hyosung’s Global Marketing Director for Textiles.

“We are now seeing some interesting dynamics in the marketplace, with brands being more subtle in their approaches to sustainability. Demands are getting more specific as the decision makers start really looking at how to reduce their carbon emissions. It was important to us to look at the bigger picture in enabling easier recycling for the products of our customers.”

Some companies, he added, are going out with 20% of recycled content in their fabrics, as the bare minimum for meeting GRS (Global Recycling Standard) requirements.

“And 50% recycled content is sufficient for products to carry the GRS logo, but does that really help when it comes to recycling? Consequently, we have chosen to go out with 100% recycled products across our entire range, but it was just as important that there was no compromise in terms of the multi-functionality of our fibres.”

The regen 100% recycled range includes creora regen elastane and MIPAN regen robic polyamide, both of which have already been adopted by leading brands for use in applications such as activewear, workwear, backpacks and bags.

Three performance polyesters are also available within the regen range – askin, for cooling and UV protection, cotna, a natural touch fibre, and aerocool a moisture-absorbing and quick-drying variant.

“This comprehensive package of recycled, multi-functional fibres is quite unique, and we believe it provides brands with a new and wider range of options for performance wear,” Simko concluded.

Meanwhile, an outer layer woven fabric made from 100% Mipan robic polyamide with a weight of just 30gsm was selected as the best Outer Layer by the ISPO Textrends team at the exhibition.

www.hyosung.com