Hyosung TNC Achieves Major Milestone in Bio-Spandex Development at Global Fashion Summit 2026
Hyosung TNC, a major player in sustainable textile solutions and the largest Spandex (Elastane) manufacturer globally by market share, recently marked an important milestone at the Global Fashion Summit 2026 held in Copenhagen. As a primary sponsor, the company took the opportunity to introduce its integrated bio-based elastane platform and engage with industry leaders to discuss the necessary steps for scaling this innovative product across the entire value chain.
The summit, which took place from May 5 to May 7 under the theme "Building Resilient Futures," provided a platform for Hyosung TNC to showcase how bio-based elastane is progressing towards broader commercial use through infrastructure development, supply chain integration, and cross-sector collaboration. One of the key highlights was the company's newly established, fully integrated production system in Vietnam, designed to convert sugarcane-derived raw materials into bio-BDO, bio-PTMG, and ultimately bio-elastane within a cohesive supply chain backed by an almost 1 billion USD investment.
During the event, Hyosung TNC hosted a panel discussion at the renowned DR Concert Hall, held exclusive discussions with executives in collaboration with Global Fashion Agenda, and participated in the Innovation Forum. This forum allowed attendees to gain tangible insights into the role that bio-based materials can play in the fashion industry. Here, Hyosung TNC presented its BIO-Elastane platform, showcasing applications and communications centered around sugarcane as a renewable raw material with significant scaling potential, alongside verified sourcing through its VIVE platform.
Simon Whitmarsh-Knight, Director of Marketing and Sustainability - Textiles at Hyosung TNC, noted the summit's emphasis on driving action and the importance of collaboration across various sectors. He mentioned engaging in valuable discussions about transitioning bio-based materials from niche products to mainstream offerings. Whitmarsh-Knight emphasized that the commercial production is already underway in Vietnam and that the company is perfectly positioned to assist brands in moving away from fossil fuel-based stretch materials without compromising on performance.
Additionally, during the panel discussion titled "The Decarbonisation Pathway Transitions and Turning Points," Sora Yoo, the Marketing Head at Hyosung TNC, spoke alongside other leaders from the fashion, sustainability, and finance ecosystems. Sora elaborated on the limitations of relying solely on recycled elastane, explaining that most elastane with lower environmental impacts still derives from pre-consumer recycled materials, which ultimately ties back to fossil materials and limits the industry's ability to reduce production waste.
Hyosung TNC recognized this constraint early, which led to its significant investment in a comprehensive bio-based production system in Vietnam. The company's key message during the discussions stressed that successfully moving away from fossil-fuel-based stretch materials requires industrial-scale infrastructure, reliable sourcing systems, and long-term partnerships across the supply chain. These elements enable brands to adopt alternatives with reduced environmental impacts, maintaining performance, durability, and supply chain resilience.
Sora Yoo pointed out that while Hyosung TNC has significantly invested in developing bio-based elastane, price perception remains one of the biggest barriers to industry adoption. She stressed the need for collaborative efforts within the industry and for increased consumer awareness and demand to shift purchasing priorities beyond pure cost considerations.
As part of the summit's programming, Hyosung TNC premiered an exclusive episode of "Fashion Redressed II," produced by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions, highlighting the journey from sugarcane to finished elastane and the work needed to realign stretch materials away from fossil-based inputs. Following the premiere at the Global Fashion Summit 2026, the film is now available for viewing.
"Being part of Fashion Redressed II means that our story around bio-based elastane reaches audiences far beyond the summit stage," said Sora Yoo. "The film illustrates the collaboration, infrastructure, responsibility, and long-term investment behind this material shift and invites brands to turn it into reality."
Hyosung TNC's participation in the Global Fashion Summit underscores the growing interest in scalable pathways for material transformation, particularly in high-performance textile categories such as activewear, sportswear, denim, underwear, and swimwear. As the expansion of commercial production continues, the company firmly believes that bio-based elastane can play a significant role in assisting fashion brands in reducing their reliance on fossil-based materials while still delivering the functionality expected from stretch fabrics.
For further information on Hyosung TNC, it is recognized as a complete provider of sustainable textile solutions, leading in innovation and manufacturing excellence. With the widest range of stretch fibers under its brands CREORA® and regen™, Hyosung TNC helps advance the development of lower-impact materials through sugarcane-derived BIO-Elastane, merging reliable performance with robust supply security through a fully integrated bio-based value chain. Their specialty nylon and polyester offer functional and sustainable fiber solutions that are essential in today’s dynamic textile market. Hyosung TNC is a proud partner member of the Textile Exchange. For more insights regarding the latest trends, events, and product news, check their website and blog. Connect with Hyosung TNC on Instagram at @hyosung_textiles and on LinkedIn at Hyosung Performance Textiles.
The summit, which took place from May 5 to May 7 under the theme "Building Resilient Futures," provided a platform for Hyosung TNC to showcase how bio-based elastane is progressing towards broader commercial use through infrastructure development, supply chain integration, and cross-sector collaboration. One of the key highlights was the company's newly established, fully integrated production system in Vietnam, designed to convert sugarcane-derived raw materials into bio-BDO, bio-PTMG, and ultimately bio-elastane within a cohesive supply chain backed by an almost 1 billion USD investment.
During the event, Hyosung TNC hosted a panel discussion at the renowned DR Concert Hall, held exclusive discussions with executives in collaboration with Global Fashion Agenda, and participated in the Innovation Forum. This forum allowed attendees to gain tangible insights into the role that bio-based materials can play in the fashion industry. Here, Hyosung TNC presented its BIO-Elastane platform, showcasing applications and communications centered around sugarcane as a renewable raw material with significant scaling potential, alongside verified sourcing through its VIVE platform.
Simon Whitmarsh-Knight, Director of Marketing and Sustainability - Textiles at Hyosung TNC, noted the summit's emphasis on driving action and the importance of collaboration across various sectors. He mentioned engaging in valuable discussions about transitioning bio-based materials from niche products to mainstream offerings. Whitmarsh-Knight emphasized that the commercial production is already underway in Vietnam and that the company is perfectly positioned to assist brands in moving away from fossil fuel-based stretch materials without compromising on performance.
Additionally, during the panel discussion titled "The Decarbonisation Pathway Transitions and Turning Points," Sora Yoo, the Marketing Head at Hyosung TNC, spoke alongside other leaders from the fashion, sustainability, and finance ecosystems. Sora elaborated on the limitations of relying solely on recycled elastane, explaining that most elastane with lower environmental impacts still derives from pre-consumer recycled materials, which ultimately ties back to fossil materials and limits the industry's ability to reduce production waste.
Hyosung TNC recognized this constraint early, which led to its significant investment in a comprehensive bio-based production system in Vietnam. The company's key message during the discussions stressed that successfully moving away from fossil-fuel-based stretch materials requires industrial-scale infrastructure, reliable sourcing systems, and long-term partnerships across the supply chain. These elements enable brands to adopt alternatives with reduced environmental impacts, maintaining performance, durability, and supply chain resilience.
Sora Yoo pointed out that while Hyosung TNC has significantly invested in developing bio-based elastane, price perception remains one of the biggest barriers to industry adoption. She stressed the need for collaborative efforts within the industry and for increased consumer awareness and demand to shift purchasing priorities beyond pure cost considerations.
As part of the summit's programming, Hyosung TNC premiered an exclusive episode of "Fashion Redressed II," produced by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions, highlighting the journey from sugarcane to finished elastane and the work needed to realign stretch materials away from fossil-based inputs. Following the premiere at the Global Fashion Summit 2026, the film is now available for viewing.
"Being part of Fashion Redressed II means that our story around bio-based elastane reaches audiences far beyond the summit stage," said Sora Yoo. "The film illustrates the collaboration, infrastructure, responsibility, and long-term investment behind this material shift and invites brands to turn it into reality."
Hyosung TNC's participation in the Global Fashion Summit underscores the growing interest in scalable pathways for material transformation, particularly in high-performance textile categories such as activewear, sportswear, denim, underwear, and swimwear. As the expansion of commercial production continues, the company firmly believes that bio-based elastane can play a significant role in assisting fashion brands in reducing their reliance on fossil-based materials while still delivering the functionality expected from stretch fabrics.
For further information on Hyosung TNC, it is recognized as a complete provider of sustainable textile solutions, leading in innovation and manufacturing excellence. With the widest range of stretch fibers under its brands CREORA® and regen™, Hyosung TNC helps advance the development of lower-impact materials through sugarcane-derived BIO-Elastane, merging reliable performance with robust supply security through a fully integrated bio-based value chain. Their specialty nylon and polyester offer functional and sustainable fiber solutions that are essential in today’s dynamic textile market. Hyosung TNC is a proud partner member of the Textile Exchange. For more insights regarding the latest trends, events, and product news, check their website and blog. Connect with Hyosung TNC on Instagram at @hyosung_textiles and on LinkedIn at Hyosung Performance Textiles.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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