Sustainable Elastic Fiber: XLANCE®

Sustainable Elastic Fiber

The Problem with Elastic or Spandex Fibers

Elastic fabrics are everywhere—in sportswear, swimwear, work uniforms, and everyday clothing. Yet, many of these fibers, particularly spandex, face significant limitations. They degrade with time, lose stretch, and suffer from environmental challenges such as UV exposure. As a result, brands struggle with creating durable, sustainable garments. Consumers, in turn, find themselves repeatedly buying replacements, leading to waste. This brings us to the core of the issue: how can we create elastic fabrics that are not only comfortable but long-lasting and environmentally responsible?

Enter XLANCE®—a next-generation elastic fiber that offers a breakthrough in durability, performance, and sustainability. By addressing the shortcomings of traditional elastics, it’s changing the way industries approach fabric design.

Why Traditional Current Solutions Fall Short

1. Stretch Fatigue: Traditional elastic fibers like spandex tend to lose their ability to stretch over time. This leads to sagging garments, loss of shape, and discomfort for the wearer.
2. Chemical Vulnerability: Many elastics break down when exposed to harsh chemicals, such as those in laundry detergents or environmental pollutants.
3. High Environmental Impact: Manufacturing processes for existing elastics are energy-intensive and generate significant waste, making them unsustainable in the long term.

How XLANCE® is Changing the Game

XLANCE® fiber offers a revolution in elastic textiles by addressing these key issues head-on. Here’s how:

1. Unparalleled Durability

XLANCE® fibers are crafted with unique polyolefin-based polymers, which give them superior thermal and chemical resistance compared to spandex. It can withstand exposure to harsh agents like acids, alkalis, and oxidizers without degradation. In fact, tests have shown that XLANCE® retains its elasticity even after being exposed to concentrated sulfuric acid—a feat unmatched by traditional elastics​

Furthermore, thermal stability is a hallmark of XLANCE®. It can tolerate temperatures up to 220°C without compromising its integrity, making it ideal for high-temperature processing and industries that demand durability under extreme conditions​

2. Enhanced Comfort and Stretch

Unlike spandex, which requires significant force to stretch, XLANCE® offers a gentle, controlled stretch. This makes fabrics more comfortable and allows them to shape to the body without feeling restrictive. This “dosed elasticity” also means that garments retain their shape longer without the sagging often seen in spandex-based products​.

3. Sustainability at the Core

XLANCE® sets itself apart with its environmentally friendly production process. By requiring significantly lower temperatures (120°C) for setting, it consumes far less energy than spandex, which needs temperatures of 185-190°C . This not only reduces the carbon footprint but also enables manufacturers to blend XLANCE® with other fibers without risking damage. The fiber’s resistance to wear and tear also means that garments made from XLANCE® last longer, reducing the frequency of replacements and contributing to waste reduction​.

4. Broad Application Across Industries

XLANCE® isn’t just a solution for one industry. Its versatility allows it to be used in everything from sportswear to workwear and swimwear. For example, Nike has incorporated XLANCE® into its HydraStrong swimsuits, designed for durability and performance in harsh aquatic environments. Meanwhile, TenCate’s Tecasafe® fabrics integrate XLANCE® to offer flame-resistant, stretchable workwear

Conclusion

As the textile industry continues to prioritize both performance and sustainability, XLANCE® is emerging as a frontrunner in elastic innovation. By addressing the weaknesses of traditional fibers, such as spandex, it offers an advanced solution that lasts longer, withstands harsh conditions, and reduces environmental impact. Whether it’s for creating more durable sportswear, protective work uniforms, or sustainable fashion, XLANCE® is setting a new standard. For brands and consumers alike, it’s time to rethink how we approach elasticity in fabrics—and XLANCE® might just be the future.

Key Takeaway: XLANCE® redefines elasticity with better durability, comfort, and sustainability, setting new benchmarks for industries reliant on stretch fabrics. By integrating XLANCE®, companies can offer longer-lasting, eco-friendly garments that perform in a variety of challenging environments.