Birla Cellulose, Hyosung unveil innovative cellulosic knits

Birla Cellulose, a global leader in viscose staple fiber (VSF), has partnered with Hyosung, the world’s largest manufacturer of spandex under the CREORA brand, to launch a vibrant collection of cellulosic knits. This innovative line is made possible through the integration of CREORA Color+ Spandex, combining rich, vibrant colors with the flexibility of spandex.

“The fusion of science and style is at the heart of this initiative,” said Abir Chakrabarti, Joint President of Grasim Industries Limited, which operates Birla Cellulose plants in India under the Aditya Birla Group. “Our research and development teams have worked tirelessly to strike the perfect balance between spandex’s elasticity and dye absorption, reimagining traditional processes to create a fabric that maintains its stretch while embracing a full spectrum of color.”

Traditional spandex does not absorb dye well, making it challenging to achieve uniform color in natural fibers like cotton, rayon, and modal. To address this, Hyosung developed CREORA® Color+ Spandex, a reactive dyeable spandex designed for natural blended materials. This innovation ensures deep, rich color coverage in natural and cellulosic fabrics without grin-through, making it ideal for intimate apparel, activewear, and ready-to-wear brands.

“Dyeable spandex knit fabrics open worlds of possibilities for designers and creators across multiple end-uses,” said Dinesh Keswani, Hyosung’s Director of Technical and Business Development in India. “Our collaboration with Birla Cellulose showcases our commitment to providing comprehensive textile solutions that address complex material challenges throughout the entire value chain.”

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the new fabric line is also a step toward sustainability. Mr. Chakrabarti emphasized, “Our fabric isn’t just about looks – it’s about reducing environmental impact. By developing man-made cellulosic dyeable spandex knit fabric, we’re minimizing water usage, energy consumption, and waste, while enhancing shade depth. This reflects our commitment to a greener, cleaner planet.”