Asahi Kasei makes world's first recycled spandex

Spandex recycling, up till now, was not considered suitable because of the difficulty in controlling decomposition temperature. Asahi Kasei's original technology made this possible. Its Roica EF has become the only spandex in the world to be certified under the Global Recycle Standard (GRS), according to a press release by the company.

Roica EF will be officially launched in Japan on May 1, 2016. It is a part of the Roica brand which provides advanced functionality in applications such as diapers, legwear, innerwear and sportswear.

“In July 2015, German subsidiary Asahi Kasei Spandex Europe GmbH (AKSE) began supplying Roica EF made from 50 per cent recycled material to well-known European apparel manufacturers that are at the forefront of adoption of environmental materials,” the press release said.

“Asahi Kasei has also received GRS certification for Roica EF made from over 50 per cent recycled material at the Roica plant in its Moriyama Works in Shiga, Japan,” the release said.

Additionally, the company has developed Dorlastan V550, an environmentally friendly spandex product featuring low oil content of 1–3 per cent compared to the conventional 5–6 per cent.

Dorlastan V550 reduces the environmental burden of the manufacturing process in many ways. (MCJ)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk