The Lyrcra Company has launched a range of fibers made from 100 per cent textile waste. Known as CoolMax and Thermolite, these fibers are made from recycled PET bottles. They have been developed in collaboration with Itochu Corporation, a general trading company with holdings in consumer-related sectors, including the textile business.

As per Sourcing Journal, this is the first of several innovations that The Lycra Company is working on in textile and garment recycling. The company aims to lay the foundation for a more circular future for its Planet Agenda Sustainability platform.

The fibers provide consumers with the performance attributes they seek. They are made with a unique depolymerization and refining process which consists of scraps from garment manufacturers, into fibers with properties comparable to virgin polyester. The company will continue to offer these products in parallel with those made from textile waste.