Ready to Switch to Eco-Friendly Lycra?

“What if your leggings could stretch, breathe, and still be kind to the planet?”

This isn’t a dream—it’s the next big step sustainably. As more consumers demand environmentally friendly choices in what they wear, brands and manufacturers are racing to meet this demand without compromising on performance. One of the most revolutionary changes is happening in an unexpected fabric: Lycra.

Lycra—also known as spandex or elastane—is found in nearly everything from activewear to denim to underwear. But traditionally, Lycra has a dirty little secret: it’s made from fossil fuels, and it’s far from sustainable. Now, thanks to innovation and a growing eco-conscious fashion movement, eco-friendly Lycra is taking center stage.

This blog will dive deep into:

• Why traditional Lycra needs a green overhaul

• What eco-friendly Lycra really is

• Key innovations and bio-based technologies like QIRA®

• Indian suppliers offering sustainable stretch fabrics

• How NoName, a top sustainable clothing manufacturer in India, is leading the way

• And why switching to sustainable Lycra is no longer optional—it’s essential

The Problem with Traditional Lycra: Why It Needs a Makeover

Lycra is loved for its stretch, fit, and durability. Whether it’s yoga pants hugging every curve or denim that flexes as you move, this material has revolutionized comfort in modern fashion. But the comfort comes at an environmental cost.

Environmental Issues with Traditional Lycra:

1. Made from Fossil Fuels: Conventional Lycra is made from polyurethane, derived from crude oil. This process depletes non-renewable resources and emits high levels of carbon dioxide.

2. Non-Biodegradable: Spandex fibers do not decompose, contributing to microplastic pollution in oceans and landfills.

3. High Energy Consumption: Manufacturing Lycra is energy-intensive and involves toxic solvents.

4. Difficult to Recycle: Lycra is often blended with other synthetic fibers, which complicates recycling and increases post-consumer waste.

With the fashion industry contributing around 10% of global carbon emissions (UNEP), transforming every fabric used—especially those like Lycra—is critical to building a more sustainable fashion industry.

What Is Eco-Friendly Lycra?

Eco-friendly Lycra refers to elastane fibers that are produced using renewable, recycled, or low-impact methods. These alternatives aim to reduce environmental harm while retaining the stretch, comfort, and performance characteristics of traditional Lycra.

Types of Eco-Friendly Lycra:

• Bio-Based Lycra: Made from renewable resources like corn or sugarcane instead of fossil fuels.

• Recycled Lycra: Produced from pre-consumer or post-consumer spandex waste.

• Biodegradable Lycra: Designed to break down more easily in composting conditions.

• Closed-Loop Lycra: Manufactured in processes that recycle water, solvents, and energy.

By incorporating these versions into garments, fashion brands can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of clothing production, without sacrificing comfort or quality.

The Game Changer: LYCRA® Fiber Made with QIRA®

One of the most revolutionary innovations in the elastane market is LYCRA® fiber made with QIRA®, developed by The LYCRA Company in partnership with Qore®.

What is QIRA®?

QIRA® is a bio-based alternative to the petroleum-derived 1,4-butanediol (BDO) used in conventional spandex production. It’s made through fermentation of renewable corn sugars, replacing fossil-fuel ingredients with plant-based materials.

Key Features:

• 70% of LYCRA® made with QIRA® is bio-derived.

• Uses wind energy at its manufacturing facility in Iowa, USA.

• Manufactured through low-emission processes at LYCRA’s Singapore plant.

• Globally available from 2025 onward.

Environmental Benefits:

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) found that QIRA®-based Lycra reduces carbon emissions by up to 44% compared to conventional spandex. That’s a significant move toward net-zero fashion.

Other Groundbreaking Eco-Friendly Lycra Innovations

While QIRA® is leading the charge, other technologies are also revolutionizing stretch fabrics:

1. LYCRA® EcoMade™ Fiber

• Contains 20% recycled spandex waste.

• Delivers identical performance to virgin spandex.

• GRS-certified (Global Recycled Standard).

2. LYCRA® T400® EcoMade

• Made from 50% recycled PET bottles and renewable materials.

• Popular in sustainable denim and athleisure.

3. Roica™ Eco-Smart (by Asahi Kasei)

• Roica™ EF: Over 50% recycled content.

• Roica™ V550: Biodegradable in composting conditions.

• Both are OEKO-TEX® and GRS certified.

4. Creora® Regen (by Hyosung)

• Made from 100% recycled pre-consumer waste.

• GRS-certified, with increasing adoption by global fashion brands.

These technologies show that sustainable elastane is not only possible—it’s here.

Top Indian Suppliers of Eco-Friendly Lycra 

India is becoming a hub for sustainable textiles, and when it comes to eco-friendly Lycra (elastane/spandex), several companies are offering innovative, low-impact solutions. These suppliers either manufacture sustainable stretch yarns or distribute certified bio-based and recycled elastane across India. Here's a look at five key Indian suppliers, along with their locations and contributions to green fashion:

1. Indo Rama Synthetics (India) Ltd – Nagpur, Maharashtra

One of the largest integrated polyester manufacturers in India, Indo Rama Synthetics is investing in sustainable innovation to meet the global shift toward eco-conscious textiles.

• Location: Butibori, Nagpur, Maharashtra

• Sustainability Focus:

  • Offers recycled polyester and bio-based yarns that blend with elastane for stretch functionality.

  • Working on advanced stretch solutions suitable for sportswear, activewear, and intimate garments.

• Eco-friendly Lycra Application:

  • While not a direct Lycra producer, Indo Rama supplies polyester yarns that pair with sustainable elastane like Creora® Regen or LYCRA® EcoMade™.

2. Reliance Industries – R|Elan EcoGold – Mumbai, Maharashtra

Reliance Industries is a giant in synthetic fibers, and its R|Elan EcoGold brand focuses on sustainable, high-performance textiles.

• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra

• Sustainability Focus:

  • R|Elan EcoGold yarns are made from recycled PET bottles, with properties like stretch, breathability, and moisture management.

  • These yarns mimic elastane’s elasticity and are widely used in athleisure, t-shirts, leggings, and innerwear.

• Eco Lycra Compatibility:

  • Often blended with GRS-certified elastane like LYCRA® EcoMade™ or Creora® Regen for fully sustainable garments.

3. Hyosung India (Creora®) – Surat, Gujarat & Mumbai, Maharashtra

Hyosung, a South Korean company, is a world leader in elastane manufacturing. Its Indian operations distribute Creora® Regen, a 100% recycled spandex.

• Indian Offices: Surat (Gujarat), Mumbai (Maharashtra)

• Sustainable Offering:

  • Creora® Regen is made from 100% pre-consumer waste, certified under the Global Recycled Standard (GRS).

  • Offers the same performance as virgin elastane, with a significantly lower environmental impact.

• Used by:

  • Many Indian garment exporters and private-label clothing manufacturers focused on sustainable fashion.

  • Common in yoga wear, swimwear, stretch denim, and lingerie made in India.

4. The LYCRA Company – India Distribution via Surat & Bengaluru

Though headquartered in the U.S., The LYCRA Company has a strong presence in India through authorized distributors and textile partners.

• Distributors Located in: Surat (Gujarat), Bengaluru (Karnataka), and across Tamil Nadu

• Sustainable Elastane Offering:

  • LYCRA® EcoMade™: Contains up to 20% pre-consumer recycled content.

  • LYCRA® T400® EcoMade: Made from recycled PET and renewable plant-based materials, great for stretch denim and casualwear.

• Certifications: GRS-certified, OEKO-TEX® compliant

• Used by:

  • Indian textile mills and garment exporters focused on sustainability and global certifications.

5. Punarbhavaa Sustainable Products (PSP India) – Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu

Punarbhavaa is a leading sustainable textile innovator based in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Through its focus on circularity and eco-conscious materials, the company develops textile solutions that support a low-carbon future. 

• Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka

• Sustainability Focus: Offers eco-friendly yarns, including bio-based, recycled, and compostable stretch blends suitable for fashion and performance wear.

• Eco Lycra Compatibility: Works with recycled and low-impact elastane options, supporting brands that want sustainable stretch fabrics for athleisure, lingerie, and everyday wear.

Punarbhavaa partners with forward-thinking clothing manufacturers across India, helping integrate environmentally responsible Lycra alternatives into the mainstream fashion supply chain.

The Best Sustainable Clothing Manufacturer in India Using Eco-Friendly Lycra

If you're a fashion brand looking for a clothing manufacturer in India that prioritizes the planet, NoName is your go-to partner.

Why NoName Stands Out:

• Uses eco-friendly Lycra sourced from global and Indian suppliers like Hyosung and R|Elan.

• Offers a wide range of sustainable fabrics, including organic cotton, bamboo, TENCEL™, hemp, and recycled polyester.

• Supports Flexi MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) — ideal for small brands and capsule collections.

• Adopts ethical manufacturing practices, fair wages, and transparency.

• Implements digital printing and low-impact dyes, reducing water and chemical use.

• Always aligned with the latest global fashion trends, including Spring/Summer 2025 collections.

Whether you’re a startup or a scaling brand, NoName is the sustainable clothing manufacturer in India that will help you turn eco-ambitions into tangible collections.

Why Eco-Friendly Lycra Is the Future of Sustainable Fashion

As environmental regulations tighten and consumer demand for sustainability grows, eco-friendly materials are no longer niche—they are the future of fashion.

Switching to eco friendly Lycra allows brands to:

• Lower their carbon emissions

• Appeal to Gen Z and millennial consumers

• Future-proof their products for environmental compliance

• Meet growing demand for ethical and sustainable fashion

Stats That Prove the Shift:

• 73% of Gen Z consumers are willing to spend more on sustainable fashion. (McKinsey, 2023)

• 60% of a garment’s carbon footprint is tied to fabric production. (Fashion for Good)

• The global spandex market is projected to reach $11.3 billion by 2028, with sustainable variants leading growth. (Fortune Business Insights, 2023)

These numbers reflect a tectonic shift in fashion consumption—one where eco-friendly stretch fabrics like QIRA®, Roica™, and Creora® will dominate future collections.

Conclusion: Choose Stretch That Doesn’t Stretch the Planet

Eco-friendly Lycra represents one of the most important transitions in textile sustainability. From cutting-edge bio-based innovations like LYCRA® with QIRA® to recycled elastane from global players, the options are vast—and growing.

India, with its thriving ecosystem of sustainable fiber suppliers and ethical manufacturers like NoName, is at the forefront of this movement.

Whether you're an emerging fashion label or an established global brand, you now have access to stretch fabrics that care for the earth as much as they care for fit.

Ready to Make the Switch to Eco-Friendly Lycra?

NoName is your trusted clothing manufacturer in India, offering:

• Sustainable fabrics like eco-friendly Lycra

• Ethical manufacturing

• Support for small batches and growing fashion brands

Let’s create fashion that stretches your impact—not your footprint.

Contact NoName today to start your sustainable fashion journey.

WhatsApp: +91-9717 508 508

Email: hello@nonameglobal.com

Website: www.nonameglobal.com  

Online meeting: https://calendly.com/nonameglobal/meet