WILMINGTON – The Lycra Company has officially launched its Lycra Adaptiv fibre for nonwovens at INDEX in Geneva, positioning the new stretch component for disposable hygiene applications including baby diapers, adult incontinence and feminine care.
The technology, already commercial in apparel, is being presented as a means to improve fit consistency and comfort while supporting expanded size ranges in hygiene products.
According to the company, Lycra Adaptiv fibre is based on a proprietary polymer formulation designed to adapt to the wearer’s body and movement. In hygiene laminates and elastic components, this is intended to deliver a soft, low‑force stretch, a more secure fit to help minimise leakage, and a wider “fit window” to accommodate diverse body shapes.
The fibre targets several performance attributes identified in The Lycra Company’s own research as unmet needs in current products, including flexibility in fit, shape retention, comfort in motion, ease of donning and doffing, and stay‑in‑place performance. For converters and brand owners, these properties are relevant to maintaining performance under dynamic loads and reducing the risk of product slippage during wear.
One specific focus is on pressure distribution in elastic zones such as waistbands and leg cuffs. The company reports that the adaptive stretch profile of the fibre can help reduce localised compression, which in turn may minimise red marks on the skin while maintaining functional sealing and containment.
By transferring a platform proven in apparel into hygiene nonwovens, The Lycra Company says it aims to offer mills and converters a familiar processing profile with differentiated wearer benefits. “By introducing our proven apparel innovation to this space, we help manufacturers deliver a more personalised, comfortable and secure wearing experience – without adding product complexity,” said Doug Kelliher, executive vice president, product at The Lycra Company.
At INDEX 26, Lycra Adaptiv fibre for nonwovens has also been shortlisted for the INDEX Awards in the Raw Material & Component category. The nomination recognises its potential to support more inclusive sizing by delivering a consistent user experience across a broader range of product sizes, an area of growing focus in both baby and adult hygiene segments.
