Bio spandex derived from sugarcane is moving from lab to commercial scale. At Interfilière Los Angeles (IFL LA), running July 21–23, 2026, Hyosung TNC will demonstrate how its regen™ BIO Spandex is progressing toward broader commercial adoption. The Seoul-based fiber manufacturer partners with mills and brands to deliver sustainable stretch that matches the performance of conventional spandex.
regen™ BIO Spandex: Sugarcane-Derived Stretch at Commercial Scale
Hyosung TNC produces regen™ BIO Spandex at its fully integrated facilities in Vietnam. Raw sugar is fermented into bio-BDO, a key spandex ingredient, then converted into Bio-PTMG and finally into bio spandex for apparel applications. The sugarcane feedstock is independently verified through the VIVE Sustainable Supply Program.
Bio-BDO is chemically identical to conventional BDO, making it a drop-in component. This means regen™ BIO Spandex delivers the same elongation, recovery, and long-term performance as standard spandex — with no trade-off for mills or brands.
Consumer demand for intimate apparel and loungewear made with natural and renewable materials continues to grow. Hyosung TNC positions its bio spandex offering as a direct response: high-performance stretch with a verifiable, responsible-sourcing story brands can share with consumers.
Vietnam Integration Reduces Carbon Emissions and Supply Risk
Concentrating the full regen™ BIO Spandex production chain within Vietnam reduces carbon emissions tied to long-distance transportation. The vertically integrated setup also shortens lead times and limits exposure to supply disruptions.
This localization strategy reinforces Hyosung's role as a reliable, large-volume supplier of bio spandex. Intimate apparel brands can access sustainable stretch without restructuring their sourcing infrastructure or accepting extended supply chains.
Expert Panel, Mill Collaboration, and CREORA® Innovations at IFL LA
Hyosung TNC will co-exhibit with mill partner Pacific Textiles at booth E02 at IFL LA. The display will feature garments and fabrics combining Lenzing's TENCEL™ with regen™ BIO Spandex, helping brands visualize bio-based stretch integration across real product lines.
On July 21 from 1:00–2:00 PM, Hyosung will host an expert panel titled From Innovation to Adoption: Scaling Next-Gen Bio-Based Materials from Innovation to Retail Reality. Panelists include Laura Nilo (Hyosung US West Coast Marketing Manager – Textiles), Robert Masanari Murakami (General Manager, R&D Division, Pacific Textiles), and Zoe Abel (founder of Natra).
Alongside bio-based fibers, Hyosung and Pacific Textiles will present functional textile solutions under the CREORA® brand:
- CREORA® Coolwave and Aqua-X Nylon — long-lasting cooling and moisture management for all-day freshness
- CREORA® EasyFlex Spandex — soft, all-day stretch comfort for intimate apparel
- CREORA® Rexy 2 Nylon — luxurious, luminous sheen that adds premium aesthetics to garments
These functional solutions extend Hyosung's value proposition for intimate apparel brands into both performance and aesthetics. Explore the latest fiber and sustainability developments in the Info Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is regen™ BIO Spandex and how is it produced?
regen™ BIO Spandex is a bio-based stretch fiber made by Hyosung TNC using sugarcane as the renewable feedstock. Raw sugar is fermented into bio-BDO, then processed into Bio-PTMG and finally into spandex at Hyosung's integrated production facilities in Vietnam.
Does bio spandex perform the same as conventional spandex?
Yes. Bio-BDO is chemically identical to conventional BDO, so regen™ BIO Spandex delivers equivalent elongation, recovery, and long-term durability. Mills and brands can adopt it without changing processing conditions or performance benchmarks.
Where can industry professionals experience these innovations at IFL LA?
Hyosung TNC and Pacific Textiles will exhibit at booth E02 at Interfilière Los Angeles, July 21–23, 2026. The expert panel discussion takes place on July 21 from 1:00–2:00 PM at the show venue.
The commercial scale-up of regen™ BIO Spandex marks a decisive moment for the intimate apparel industry's sustainability transition. With verified sugarcane sourcing, vertically integrated Vietnamese production, and full performance parity, bio spandex is moving from niche innovation to mainstream supply chain reality.
