Elastane
Elastane, also known as Spandex or Lycra®, is the essential fiber that gives our clothes their stretch, comfort, and shape retention. However, this revolutionary performance comes with a significant environmental cost.
The primary problem with elastane is that it is a plastic derived from fossil fuels. Its production is energy-intensive, and the fiber sheds microplastics that pollute our waterways. Most critically, because it is always blended with other fibers, it acts as a major contaminant that makes garments unrecyclable with current technology.
The solution lies in a circular approach and a growing number of innovative alternatives. We champion recycled elastane (e.g., Ecomade Lycra) and the development of bio-based elastane (e.g., Hyosung’s Creora Bio-Based) and plant-based rubbers (e.g., Yulex's YULASTIC), which push the industry away from a reliance on fossil fuels. We also support materials like Asahi Kasei's ROICA™ V550, which are designed for a more responsible end-of-life.
At Circular People, we discourage virgin elastane and prefer recycled and biodegradable bio-based options. Due to its non-biodegradable nature and its role in complicating recycling, the most sustainable approach to elastane is to prioritize longevity and seek out these circular alternatives.
Check out our Field Log for a deeper dive into this fiber.
