Every year 100 billion garments are produced and 85 per cent of these clothes end up in landfill, which is the equivalent of one garbage truck filled per second. The LYCRA Company’s new process takes fabric scraps from the cutting room floor that would have been sent to landfill or incinerated and transforms them into high performance insulation, according to a press release. In addition to its sustainability credentials, Thermolite EcoMade insulation delivers quality performance and durability for both the outdoor industry and everyday warm apparel. The novel recycling technology used is compatible with used garments as well as cutting room waste.

The LYCRA Company, which develops innovative and sustainable fibre and technology solutions for the apparel industry, is set to showcase Thermolite EcoMade fibres for batting and blown insulations at functional fabric fair Performance Days in Munich, Germany. The recycled Thermolite EcoMade fibres are made from 100 per cent textile waste and GRS-certified.

“What consumers want are sustainable warming solutions that perform,” explained Arnaud Ruffin, vice president of brands and retail at The LYCRA Company. “Constructed with functional, hollow fibres that last, for different activities and occasions, garments containing insulation made with Thermolite EcoMade fibres made from 100 per cent textile waste provide lightweight warmth for all activities and consumer needs, whilst addressing the need to move towards a circular economy.”

The expansion of the recycled textile waste portfolio into insulation and warming applications follows last year’s introduction of the same recycling technology into performance fibres for cooling applications. All these recycled fibres are commercially available in staple, filament, and fibrefill forms, suitable for circular knitting, weaving, socks, and seamless and insulation applications, added the release.

“While at Performance Days, we invite visitors to stop by our booth to download a copy of Planet Agenda Update, our first annual public reporting on our sustainability efforts,” said Jean Hegedus, sustainability director at The LYCRA Company. “The update details our holistic approach to sustainable product development and outlines our 2030 sustainability targets as we work towards our 2050 net zero commitment.”

‘Let’s co-create the future today’ is the theme of The LYCRA Company’s booth G02 at Performance Days in Munich, Germany on November 3-4, 2022.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)