Hyosung TNC Takes Major Steps at Global Fashion Summit 2026

Hyosung TNC's Breakthrough at the Global Fashion Summit 2026

Hyosung TNC, a leader in sustainable textile solutions, recently made waves at the Global Fashion Summit 2026 held in Copenhagen, Denmark. As the principal sponsor of this prestigious event, the company presented an integrated approach to bio-based spandex, engaging key industry players to discuss scaling this innovative material across the fashion value chain.

The summit, which took place from May 5 to 7 under the theme “Building Resilient Futures,” served as a platform for Hyosung TNC to demonstrate the progress of bio-based spandex and its commercial viability. The company showcased its state-of-the-art production facility in Vietnam, designed to convert sugarcane resources into Bio-BDO, Bio-PTMG, and ultimately Bio Spandex within a single, cohesive value chain, supported by nearly a billion dollars in investments.

During the summit, notable events included a panel discussion at the DR Concert Hall and a private leadership roundtable hosted in partnership with Global Fashion Agenda. Additionally, Hyosung TNC participated in the Innovation Forum, allowing attendees to witness the development process of bio-based materials first-hand. At this forum, the company highlighted its innovative bio-spandex platform, offering tangible applications and emphasizing the potential of sugarcane as a renewable resource with verified sourcing through the VIVE platform.

Simon Whitmarsh-Knight, Hyosung TNC's Marketing and Sustainability Director, stressed the significance of collaborative action across industries, noting, “The Global Fashion Summit this year highlighted the urgent need for action and collaboration across various sectors. This prompted meaningful discussions on how bio-based materials are transitioning from niche to mainstream.” Whitmarsh-Knight affirmed that large-scale commercial production is already underway in Vietnam, providing an alternative to fossil fuel-based elastics without sacrificing performance for fashion brands or consumers.

Furthermore, a key message delivered by Hyosung TNC during the summit's panel debate, titled “The Path Toward Decarbonization: Transitions and Turning Points,” was presented by Sora Yoo, Hyosung TNC's Vice President of Marketing. She detailed the limitations of recycled spandex that remains reliant on fossil fuels and how its supply is constrained by manufacturing waste. This understanding drove Hyosung TNC’s decision to invest heavily in a fully integrated, bio-based production system.

Yoo emphasized, “Successfully transitioning to alternative energy sources necessitates industrial-scale infrastructure, reliable sourcing systems, and long-term partnerships along the value chain. These will enable brands to adopt lower-impact alternatives without compromising on quality or durability.” She also pointed out that despite significant investments in bio-spandex development, price perception constitutes a major barrier to adoption, urging both industry collaboration and consumer awareness to facilitate shifts in purchasing priorities beyond mere costs.

As part of its summit agenda, Hyosung TNC released an exclusive episode of Fashion Redressed II, a documentary produced by BBC StoryWorks. This film takes viewers through the journey from sugarcane fields to finished spandex, illustrating the complexities of re-engineering elastic materials away from fossil fuel sources. Following its debut at the Global Fashion Summit 2026, the documentary is available for viewing on various platforms.

Sora Yoo remarked, “Participating in Fashion Redressed II allows our story about bio-based spandex to reach audiences far beyond the summit stage. The film vividly portrays the collaboration, infrastructure, and long-term commitment necessary for this materials transition and invites brands to help bring it to fruition.”

Hyosung TNC's active engagement at the Global Fashion Summit highlighted the rising interest in scalable pathways for material transitions, particularly in performance-oriented textile categories such as activewear, denim, underwear, and swimwear. As large-scale commercial production progresses, the company is optimistic that bio-based spandex can significantly reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-derived materials while maintaining the expected functionality of elastic garments.

In conclusion, Hyosung TNC stands at the forefront of a crucial movement toward sustainability in the textile industry. As it continues to innovate and expand its production capabilities, the company remains committed to leading the charge for environmentally friendly textile solutions that promise both resilience and performance in the ever-evolving fashion landscape.