#Denmark #Copenhagen #Global Fashion Summit #Hyosung TNC #Bio-Spandex

Hyosung TNC's Impactful Presentation at Global Fashion Summit 2026

Hyosung TNC, a leader in sustainable textiles and the predominant manufacturer of spandex globally, made headlines at the Global Fashion Summit 2026, held in Copenhagen from May 5 to May 7, 2026. As a Principal Sponsor, the company revealed its integrated bio-based spandex technology, conversing with key stakeholders in the fashion industry about its expansion across the value chain.

Operating under the event theme 'Building Resilient Futures', Hyosung TNC exhibited the advances of bio-based spandex towards widespread commercial use. They emphasized the developmental steps concerning infrastructure, supply chain integration, and cross-industry collaborations vital for success. A cornerstone of their showcase was a state-of-the-art production system situated in Vietnam, capable of turning sugarcane-derived inputs into Bio-BDO, Bio-PTMG, and ultimately Bio Spandex—all within an interconnected supply chain, significantly backed by an investment of nearly $1 billion.

During the summit, Hyosung hosted various panels and forums, significantly highlighting its dedication to promoting its BIO spandex platform. The Innovation Forum featured presentations on the applications and storytelling of their bio-based materials, underscoring the potential of sugarcane as a renewable resource. According to Simon Whitmarsh-Knight, the Marketing and Sustainability Director of Hyosung TNC, the year's summit revolved around actionable steps and collaborative efforts across various sectors. He expressed optimism about the transition of bio-based materials from niche products to mainstream alternatives.

Addressing the Challenge of Decarbonization in Fashion

In a pivotal segment titled 'The Decarbonisation Pathway Transitions and Turning Points', Sora Yoo, Vice President of Marketing at Hyosung TNC, participated alongside experts from the fashion, sustainability, and finance realms. Sora pointed out that relying solely on recycled spandex isn't sufficient. Most current elastane is pre-consumer recycled, which still originates from fossil fuels, limiting supply based on industrial waste. Hyosung TNC recognized this challenge early on, prompting their significant investment into a fully integrated bio-based production system.

Moving forward, Sora articulated that a successful shift from fossil reliance would demand not only robust infrastructure but also trustworthy sourcing systems and long-term partnerships within the value chain. This framework is vital to allow brands to shift seamlessly to lower-impact materials without performance dips. Price perception, she noted, remains a significant hurdle that influences industry adoption of sustainable alternatives. She advocated for broader consumer education and rising demand, emphasizing the need to prioritize sustainability over mere cost.

Putting Bio-Spandex in the Spotlight

Hyosung TNC also premiered a captivating episode of Fashion Redressed II at the Summit. Produced in collaboration with BBC StoryWorks, the film narrates the journey from sugarcane fields to finished spandex, highlighting the transition toward removing fossil-based inputs from stretch materials. Sora noted that this film serves a vital purpose—bringing their bio-based narrative to audiences far beyond the summit, illustrating the collaborative nature, infrastructural effort, responsibility, and substantial investment involved in this transformation.

The attendance of Hyosung TNC at the Summit further illustrated the rising enthusiasm for scalable alternatives, particularly in performance-driven textiles, including activewear, denim, and swimwear. The ongoing large-scale production of bio-based spandex holds the promise of offering fashion brands a viable pathway to reduce dependency on fossil fuels while continuing to deliver the performance expected in stretchy apparel.

Hyosung TNC remains committed to continuous innovation within the textile industry while supporting sustainable practices. As the world's leading spandex manufacturer, they emphasize the importance of integrating reliable supply chains, like their newly developed bio-based network to foster more sustainable alternatives.

To sum up, Hyosung TNC's significant presence at the Global Fashion Summit reflects their ambition and forward-thinking approach in shaping a more sustainable future in the textile industry, focusing on a scalable future for bio-based materials and encouraging a shift among brands towards choices that favor the environment.