You can view a video of Sasha Calder, Head of Impact at Geno and Simon Whitmarsh-Knight, Global Sustainability Director – Textiles at Hyosung discussing the partnership live on stage at our World Bio Markets event here.
Hyosung TNC, the world’s largest manufacturer of spandex, has partnered with Geno, a leading sustainable materials company, to establish a plant in Vietnam that will produce biobased butanediol (BDO) derived from sugarcane. This partnership aims to support Hyosung’s corporate commitment to achieving net zero by 2050 and the wider textile industry’s efforts to meet evolving sustainability goals.
The new facility will use Geno’s proven plant-based technology to ferment sugars from sugarcane, replacing fossil fuels as the primary source of raw materials. This innovation enables Hyosung to build upon its existing range of certified regen™ BIO Spandex products, which have been adopted by leading global activewear brands.
The partnership marks the establishment of the world’s first fully integrated manufacturing site for biobased spandex from renewable raw materials to fiber. The project aims to produce 50,000 tons of BIO BDO annually in the second half of 2026, with plans to expand capacity to 200,000 tons per year to meet expected industry demands.
According to Hyosung Chief Marketing Officer Sora Yoo, the partnership will increase production efficiency, enable faster response to customer needs, and integrate value chains to minimize carbon footprint. “We are excited about our collaboration with Geno on our BIO BDO project, as it allows us to reduce carbon footprint across the value chain and make a positive impact on the environment,” said Yoo.
Hyosung anticipates an up to 80% reduction in carbon footprint for its regen™ BIO Spandex products produced at its Vietnam plant by 2026. The company has received ISCC+ international certification and SGS certification for its BIO-spandex products manufactured using raw materials that replace petroleum-based ingredients.
The investment of $1 billion in Hyosung’s future BIO BDO business underscores its commitment to building a sustainable future. The company will continue to supply customers with its existing range of regen™ BIO Spandex products and support them in transitioning to the new product in 2026.
