Hyosung TNC Unveils 'Bio Spandex' for the First Time at Korea's Largest Textile Exhibition

‘Preview in Seoul 2022’... Largest Eco-Friendly Theme Exhibition Booth
Introducing the World's First Commercialized 'Creora Biobased' Fabric

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seoyoon] Hyosung TNC has officially begun expanding the eco-friendly fiber market by introducing the world’s first commercially successful bio-spandex to the domestic market for the first time.

On the 24th, Hyosung TNC announced that it has set up the largest exhibition booth themed around eco-friendliness at ‘Preview in Seoul 2022,’ the largest domestic textile exhibition held from the 24th to the 26th at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

At this ‘Preview in Seoul,’ Hyosung TNC is showcasing fabrics made from ‘creora® bio-based,’ a spandex fiber made from corn-based raw materials for the first time.

‘creora® bio-based’ is a bio-fiber that replaces some of the raw materials extracted from coal, which are typically used in spandex production, with corn-derived raw materials certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Based on excellent elasticity and recovery, it is expected to be applied in all fields where conventional spandex is used, such as sports and athleisure wear, and lingerie.

Following recycled polyester fibers such as regen®, Hyosung TNC expects this to be a turning point for actively expanding the eco-friendly fiber market in the spandex sector as well. Alongside this, they will also introduce fabrics made from polyester recycled fibers ‘regen ocean’ produced from waste PET bottles collected from coastal areas, and nylon recycled fibers ‘Mipan Regen Ocean’ made by recycling discarded fishing nets.

At this exhibition, Hyosung TNC will showcase various fashion products strategically collaborated with Shinseong Tongsang, which owns the number one domestic SPA brand ‘Topten’ and casual wear brand ‘Geojea.’ In particular, Shinseong Tongsang’s eco-friendly clothing line ‘ECOREA’ T-shirts, windbreaker sets, and bags are made from Hyosung TNC’s representative recycled fiber ‘regen.’

Additionally, the exhibition booth will introduce products from various fashion brands made with eco-friendly recycled fibers such as ‘regen.’ These include ▲Musinsa Standard’s T-shirts and socks ▲Daks Shirt’s neckties ▲Muji and LAR sneakers, expanding the choices for eco-friendly fashion consumers.

A joint booth has also been prepared to support nine domestic small and medium fabric partner companies. By providing exhibition space and sales and consultation areas free of charge, the goal is to expand the ecosystem of the eco-friendly fiber market and create opportunities for mutual growth. It is expected to be used as a chance to establish connections with major domestic and overseas buyers and to open new sales channels.

Hosted by the Korea Federation of Textile Industries, ‘Preview in Seoul’ marks its 23rd edition this year. The exhibition is held for three days at Hall A on the first floor of COEX, Seoul. A total of 311 domestic and international textile and fashion companies (524 booths), including Hyosung TNC, Taekwang Industrial, Daehan Chemical Fiber, and Kyungbang, are participating.

The opening ceremony was attended by Lee Sang-woon, chairman of the Korea Federation of Textile Industries, and Jang Young-jin, the first vice minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. At the eco-friendly textile fashion policy meeting held prior to the opening ceremony, Chairman Lee emphasized, “The eco-friendly transition of the domestic textile industry is a survival strategy and an opportunity to secure strategic competitive advantages in line with the trend of industrial structure advancement.”