Hyosung TNC announced that the Vietnamese plant, which is initially capable of producing 50,000MT of bio-BDO annually, will expand in stages to reach a proposed annual capacity of 200,000MT.
The scale-up forms part of an ongoing investment plan valued at $1bn, aiming to align with growing market demand.
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Hyosung’s facility uses fermentation processes to convert sugars derived from sugarcane into bio-BDO, replacing fossil-based materials typically used in conventional BDO manufacturing.
This bio-BDO is chemically identical to its petroleum-based counterpart and retains equivalent stretch, recovery, and quality when used in finished spandex fibre.
Hyosung chairman Hyun-Joon Cho explained: “We have established an integrated production system that connects bio-based raw materials with finished spandex fiber. This will be a core pillar of Hyosung’s next century. Building on our pioneering work in bio-based fibers, we aim to lead the development of this market and strengthen Hyosung’s position in premium textiles worldwide.”
Bio-BDO produced at the new facility is supplied to Hyosung’s operations in Dong Nai, where it is converted into polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMG), a central intermediate in the production of regen BIO spandex (also known as elastane).
The fully integrated supply chain across southern Vietnam is designed to improve both supply reliability and production efficiency while reducing transportation requirements, the company said.
Hyosung’s regen BIO spandex is targeted at a range of applications, including sportswear, denim, swimwear, and intimate apparel.
The company also noted that the new fibre has the exact stretch and recovery properties as traditional spandex.
Traceability of sugarcane sourcing is provided through the VIVE Sustainable Program, with SGS’s Environmentally Evaluated Product Scheme certifying the bio-based content.
These credentials are intended to address growing demand among premium fashion brands for reliable sourcing and transparency in materials.
In addition to textiles, Hyosung TNC plans to leverage its bio-based chemical intermediates for broader applications, including thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate, used in automotive interiors and biodegradable plastics, respectively.
Hyosung representatives are set to present their developments in bio-based spandex at upcoming industry events, including Performance Days in Munich and the Textile Exchange Conference in Vancouver.
The company is inviting brands and manufacturing partners to discuss product development opportunities related to bio-based textile solutions.
