A global leader in viscose staple fiber (VSF), Birla Cellulose has teamed up the world’s largest spandex manufacturer, Hyosung, to unveil an innovative collection of vibrant cellulosic knit fabrics. This new range has been launched by integrating Creora Color+ Spandex, which blends the rich, vibrant colors of cellulosic fibers with the flexibility of spandex.
The collaboration focuses on the blend of science with style, says Abir Chakrabarti, Joint President, Grasim Industries, which operates Birla Cellulose plants in India under the Aditya Birla Group. The group’s research and development teams have worked diligently to perfect the balance between spandex’s elasticity and dye absorption, reimagining traditional processes to create a fabric that maintains its stretch while embracing a full spectrum of color.
Typically, spandex does not absorb dye well, making it difficult to achieve uniform color when blended with natural fibers like cotton, rayon, and modal. To overcome this challenge, Hyosung developed Creora Color+ Spandex, a reactive dyeable spandex designed specifically for natural blended materials. This breakthrough ensures deep, rich color coverage in natural and cellulosic fabrics without grin-through, making it ideal for use in intimate apparel, activewear, and ready-to-wear brands. Dyeable spandex knit fabrics open up new possibilities for designers and creators across various applications, avers Dinesh Keswani, Director - Technical and Business Development - India, Hyosung. By collaborating with Birla Cellulose, Hyosung reiterates its commitment to provide comprehensive textile solutions that address complex material challenges across the entire value chain, he adds.
The new fabric line also represents a significant step toward sustainability. As Chakrabarti affirms, more than just style, the collection focuses on reducing environmental impact. The man-made cellulosic dyeable spandex knit fabric enablesGrasim to not only minimise water usage, energy consumption, and waste but also enhance shade depth, he adds.
