Japanese conglomerate Itochu Group has announced an investment into Chinese textile firm Shandong Ruyi’s newly acquired business The Lycra Company.

Itochu, a capital alliance and business partner of Shandong Ruyi, did not disclose the size of the investments but said it would work with the group, which is one of the leading textile and apparel companies in China, to “further increase the corporate value of LYCRA and maximise collaborative synergies.”

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

Ruyi completed its acquisition of US-based fibre producer Invista’s Apparel and Advanced Textiles business (A&AT) – including its Lycra spandex/elastane brand, earlier this month. 

“Itochu regards its involvement in the acquisition of Lycra as an investment that will contribute to the improvement and enhancement of its portfolio of competitive materials; following on from its development of environmentally-friendly cellulose fibres in collaboration with the Metsa Group, and its recycled polyester business utilising technologies developed by Jeplan Inc,” the group said in a statement.

Just Style Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Style Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact

Excellence in Action
Recognised with two 2025 Just Style Excellence Awards, Coats Digital is setting a new standard in apparel costing and sustainability with its GSDCost solution . Learn how its data-led approach boosts costing accuracy, ethical compliance and environmental performance across the fashion supply chain.

Discover the Impact