The Lycra Company shifts focus to sustainability

Undergoing significant changes, The Lycra Company, including brands like Lycra, Thermolite, and Coolmax, is prioritizing sustainability in its product range following the appointment of a new CEO. Arnaud Ruffin, the group’s vice-president of brands & retail, highlighted this shift towards sustainability in recent innovations.

The company is reportedly active in lingerie, denim, and sportswear sectors, with Coolmax and Thermolite fibers contributing significantly to its revenue. However, disruptions in the apparel market have impacted the company’s performance. Central to its strategy are innovations like Lycra Adaptiv, a new fiber designed to replace traditional Lycra, offering improved stretch characteristics and adaptability to different body types.

Launched in 2023 for the swimwear market, Lycra Adaptiv has expanded into other segments, including partnerships with brands like Adidas. Additionally, the company’s focus on bio-sourced Lycra fiber derived from maize aims to account for 30% of its output by 2025, aligning with sustainability goals and reducing CO2 emissions.

The Lycra Company emphasizes its commitment to sustainability, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint by 25% by 2030. This focus extends to making traditional Lycra fibers more recyclable, contributing to a circular economy loop in the long term.