Textile Insight

Swimwear is just one of many end use applications for Aquafil's EcoNyl, made from regenerated nylon waste. compared to conventional nylon processing and the company relies on renewable energy in its manufacturing facilities. Developments are underway to expand business opportuni- ties. In the near term, Bonazzi mentions a breakthrough in 3D printing, as "this may represent the future for society." Looking further ahead, Aquafil is keen on bio-based Nylon 6 production. Aquafil, together with the biotech company Genomatica, based in San Diego, CA, have been working together on their first pro- duction run of a plant-based nylon having already succeeded in producing a couple thousand pounds. The renewable resource relies on a sugar fermentation. Bonazzi projects the demo plant to be completed in 2021. "To have a complete disconnect from oil, one can start with renewal sources and infinite recyclability. It is easy to say, but more difficult to realize on an industrial scale," offered Bonazzi responding to a webinar query on creating large volumes. He projects a four to five year timeframe to reach larger capacities. Currently Aquafil has a capacity of about 100M pounds annu- ally of ECONYL. "It is not a small amount, and we are growing every year, but it still represents a fraction of the nylon market," Bonazzi shared. "We are still at the beginning."l A s we begin to conceive a post COVID-19 world, we realize that several trends developed during the pandemic will continue - namely clothing that provides comfort and reassurance, and that's made with sustainable sources. Additionally, this clothing needs to be multi-functional in that it can cross the boundaries between home wear, activewear and outdoor wear. And, it must last overtime. As a solutions provider across the value chain from mill to brand to consumer, Hyosung consistently forecasts market trends to develop a comprehensive fiber offering to help its customers envision products that suit these trends. And as a result, the company has seen more demand from apparel brands for customized solutions that address their unique needs. "We are experiencing significant interested in our 100% GRS recycled creora® spandex, Mipan regen nylon, and regen polyester – all of which save valuable resources from being removed from the earth," said Mike Simko, Global Marketing Director Hyosung -Textiles. "Having such a comprehensive package of recycled fibers is quite rare and we're excited to offer our partners the best possible range of sustainable product offerings." ADVERTISEMENT Hyosung Introduces Expanded regen Sustainability Offering of 100% Recycled, Multi-Function Fibers BE INSPIRED FOR NEW POSSIBILITIES For more information on Hyosung, please visit: blog.hyosungtnc.com Hyosung recently announced that it has combined its regen family of recycled yarn with its functional performance products and include: • MIPAN regen aqua X: cool-touch nylon with UV protection • regen askin: recycled cool-touch polyester with UV protection • regen cotna: cotton-like polyester with the feel of a natural fiber • regen aerocool: rapid moisture absorbing and drying polyester • regen aerosilver: anti-microbial polyester • regen aerolight: lightweight polyester with high-performance moisture management According to Simko, sustainability has opened up an entire world of opportunity to innovate and bring value to the industry and newness to the consumer. textileinsight.com March/April 2021 ~ Textile Insight • 11

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