Hyosung TNC Advances Bio-Based Spandex Innovation at Global Fashion Summit 2026
Hyosung TNC has marked a significant milestone in the development of scalable bio-based textile solutions, showcasing its progress at the Global Fashion Summit (GFS) 2026 in Copenhagen. The achievement highlights growing momentum behind next-generation materials that combine sustainability, performance, and commercial viability.
As the textile industry continues its transition toward more sustainable production methods, material innovation is becoming a key driver of change. What began as small-scale pilot projects is increasingly evolving into commercially scalable solutions, supported by industry collaboration and investment in sustainable technologies.
As the world’s largest manufacturer of elastane by market share, Hyosung TNC believes bio-based spandex can help fashion brands reduce dependence on fossil-fuel-based materials without compromising the stretch, durability, and performance required in activewear, sportswear, swimwear, underwear, and denim products.
To strengthen awareness of its bio-based material initiatives, Hyosung partnered with Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) as a principal sponsor of the Global Fashion Summit 2026, held from May 5 to 7 in Copenhagen. The event brought together more than 1,000 industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and sustainability experts under the theme “Building Resilient Futures.”
During the summit, Hyosung highlighted its fully integrated bio-based production system in Vietnam. Supported by an investment of nearly $1 billion, the facility converts sugarcane-derived raw materials into Bio-BDO, Bio-PTMG, and ultimately Bio Spandex through a connected value chain designed to support large-scale commercial production.
The company’s participation included panel discussions, leadership roundtables, and an Innovation Forum presence aimed at demonstrating how bio-based materials can contribute to decarbonizing the fashion supply chain.
Sora Yoo, Vice President of Marketing at Hyosung TNC, participated in a panel discussion focused on value-chain decarbonization. She emphasized that meaningful transformation requires collaboration across the entire fashion ecosystem, from consumers and brands to manufacturers and material innovators.
According to Yoo, sustainable progress can only accelerate when all stakeholders align their efforts, creating the conditions necessary for large-scale industry change rather than isolated improvements.
As part of its summit activities, Hyosung also premiered its episode of Fashion Redressed II, a documentary produced by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions for Hyosung TNC as part of a Global Fashion Agenda series. The film explores the journey of transforming sugarcane into bio-based spandex and showcases the company’s efforts to develop sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil-based stretch materials.
Hyosung’s latest advancements underscore the growing role of bio-based materials in helping the fashion industry reduce carbon emissions while maintaining product performance and scalability, supporting the sector’s broader sustainability goals.