This new warming technology involves recycling textile waste from cutting room floors that would have been sent to a landfill or incinerated, and transforming it into high performance fibers for insulation. Once fabric scraps are collected from garment makers, they go through a four-step process before becoming a finished product: 1) depolymerization and refining 2) chip manufacture 3) fiber formation and 4) batting and insulation production.

“Our new textile waste fiber can be used in unique batting constructions to deliver outstanding warming performance infused with unparalleled sustainable attributes,” said Arnaud Ruffin, vice president, brands and retail at The LYCRA Company. “We are initially promoting the fiber in two versions of insulation—both thin-loft and mid-loft battings, each made with ≥ 85% of recycled fibers, including ≥ 50% THERMOLITE^® fiber made from recycled PET bottles and ≥ 35% made from the new textile waste product. Both batting offerings deliver durability and outstanding levels of performance combined with unmatched sustainability credentials for the outdoor industry, while warmth per unit weight and other insulation characteristics meet the industry’s highest expectations.”

By using textile waste as an input to make commercial performance fibers, The LYCRA Company is providing a solution to help the industry deal with its textile waste problem, as well as creating a starting point for circularity.

THERMOLITE^® EcoMade insulation made from textile waste is available now. To set up a meeting, contact a representative of The LYCRA Company. For more product information, visit the website.

About The LYCRA Company

The LYCRA Company innovates and produces fiber and technology solutions for the apparel and personal care industries. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, The LYCRA Company is recognized worldwide for its innovative products, technical expertise, sustainable solutions, and unmatched marketing support. The LYCRA Company owns leading consumer and trade brands: LYCRA^®, LYCRA HyFit^®, LYCRA^® T400^®, COOLMAX^®, THERMOLITE^®, ELASPAN^®, SUPPLEX^®, and TACTEL^®. The LYCRA Company’s legacy stretches back to 1958 with the invention of the original spandex yarn, LYCRA® fiber. Today, The LYCRA Company focuses on adding value to its customers’ products by developing unique innovations designed to meet the consumer’s need for comfort and lasting performance. For more information, visit www.thelycracompany.com.

THERMOLITE^® is a trademark of The LYCRA Company.