Agreement focuses on bio-derived spandex with 30% plant-based content for core-spun yarn production

Shanghai – The LYCRA Company has entered into a strategic partnership with Texhong International Group Limited to expand the use of Renewable LYCRA® fiber in China. The collaboration targets the core-spun yarn sector with a focus on bio-derived materials.

The LYCRA Company has announced the signing of a strategic partnership agreement with Texhong International Group Limited (“Texhong”), a global supplier of core-spun cotton textiles. Under the agreement, Texhong will exclusively collaborate with The LYCRA Company to introduce Renewable LYCRA® fiber made with 30 percent plant-based content* into China’s core-spun yarn sector.

The initiative is aimed at supporting the adoption of bio-derived spandex within the global textile and apparel industry. Renewable LYCRA® fiber, partly derived from dent corn, is designed to maintain the elasticity, comfort, and durability associated with conventional fossil-based LYCRA® fiber.

According to a Cradle-to-Gate Life Cycle Assessment, the material demonstrates up to a 32 percent** reduction in carbon emissions compared to fossil-derived LYCRA® fiber.

“This strategic partnership fully underscores The LYCRA Company’s leading capabilities in sustainable fiber innovation and industrial application,” said Jason Wang, vice president of Asia at The LYCRA Company. “Renewable LYCRA® fiber already boasts a mature foundation for commercial adoption. The partnership with Texhong will further expand its industrial scale. By working closely with value chain partners, we aim to continuously drive the widespread adoption of lower impact, innovative materials across the textile industry.”

Texhong will use its existing textile value chain capabilities to develop customized core-spun yarns using Renewable LYCRA® fiber made with 30 percent plant-based content. The collaboration is intended to provide an integrated approach, covering bio-derived raw materials through to yarn production.

“Texhong has long been dedicated to the R&D and manufacturing of high-value-added cotton textiles and core-spun yarn products,” said Zhou Xia, chief operating officer of Texhong. “Partnering with The LYCRA Company will bring new breakthroughs in bio-based material applications and further improve product sustainability. Together, we will jointly accelerate the innovation and market penetration of bio-derived core-spun yarn solutions.”

The two companies plan to continue joint efforts in the development of bio-derived spandex materials, yarn manufacturing processes, and downstream applications.

Texhong has worked with LYCRA® brand fibers for nearly two decades and has previously collaborated with The LYCRA Company on developments such as the patented LYCRA® dualFX® fabric technology. The expanded partnership reflects continued collaboration in material innovation and textile production.

*30 percent renewable content to be confirmed via third-party testing.
**Comparative Life Cycle Assessment: LYCRA® fiber with Bio-derived PTMEG vs LYCRA® fiber with Fossil-Derived PTMEG, Ramboll, 2026.