The LYCRA Company, a leading innovator in fiber and technology solutions for the apparel and personal care industries, has introduced a new product called LYCRA® FiT400™ fiber for knits. This latest EcoMade offering from the company is a bicomponent fiber that enhances the performance and comfort of knits. It offers a durable soft hand-feel, low shrinkage, and high uniformity to fabrics. LYCRA® FiT400™ fiber is made from 60% recycled PET and 14.4% bio-derived resources, and it is GRS certified.
The fiber comprises two different polyester polymers that create a helical crimp, providing permanent stretch and recovery properties, as well as breathability, cooling comfort, and chlorine resistance to fabrics. This innovation meets the demand for more sustainable solutions since it is made with recycled and bio-derived materials.
Steve Stewart, the chief brand and innovation officer at The LYCRA Company, stated that LYCRA® FiT400™ fiber was developed to deliver in-demand performance benefits and an enhanced soft hand to the knit fabric category. He also added that this innovation meets customer and consumer expectations for more sustainable solutions.
The LYCRA® FiT400™ fiber will be advertised to the trade, and the company’s “It’s Time for Better” campaign aims to disrupt the activewear, athleisure, and swimwear categories with the message that consumers and the planet deserve better-functioning garments offering reduced environmental impact. In controlled tests under specific conditions, this fiber was recycled back into new polyester fibers, demonstrating the technical feasibility of this process.
