We're excited to see our YULASTIC® fibers featured in a recent Women's Wear Daily (WWD) article highlighting the future of stretch denim.
As one of the fashion industry's most respected publications, WWD's coverage reflects growing interest in finding alternatives to conventional elastane that can deliver both performance and sustainability.
The article highlights the work of Artistic Milliners, one of the world's leading denim manufacturers and a trusted innovation partner to many of the industry's most recognized brands. When companies with this level of expertise and scale begin evaluating next-generation stretch materials, it signals that the industry is ready to rethink how stretch is made.
Today, nearly half of denim apparel products launched globally incorporate elastane, while elastane itself is found in up to 80% of all garments. Stretch has become essential to modern apparel—but most stretch fibers remain petroleum-based and present challenges for recycling and end-of-life management.
That's why we developed YULASTIC fibers.
Made from 100% bio-based natural rubber, the fiber is a renewable alternative to conventional elastane that delivers the stretch and recovery needed for modern apparel. Unlike synthetic stretch fibers, YULASTIC fibers are natural rubber filaments designed to biodegrade under municipal and industrial composting conditions, offering a more circular end-of-life pathway.
Our first-generation YULASTIC fibers are designed as a drop-in replacement for elastane in stretch denim, socks, certain knit constructions, and elastic trims and webbings. These applications represent a significant portion of today's stretch market and provide an important first step toward reducing reliance on fossil-derived elastics.
We're also encouraged by the growing interest from brands seeking finer-denier stretch solutions for applications such as leggings, activewear, intimate apparel, and lightweight knits. As the technology continues to evolve, we see significant opportunities to expand the reach of bio-based stretch across even more apparel categories. YULASTIC fibers have the potential to replace up to 300,000 metric tons of elastane annually, initially targeting denim, socks, and intimate apparel—representing approximately 25–30% of the elastics market.
Thank you to Artistic Milliners and WWD for helping move this important conversation forward.
