Chairman Cho Hyun-Joon Establishes Fully Integrated Bio-Spandex Production System in Vietnam

Completes Integrated Bio-Platform in Vietnam with $1 Billion Investment Spearheading Decarbonization and Circular Economy

 

Hyosung TNC, a leading global spandex manufacturer, is taking the lead in securing the global bio-material market by fully launching an Integrated Bio-Spandex Production System in Vietnam, connecting sugarcane-based bio-raw materials to finished fiber products.

 

Carried out under the leadership of Hyosung Chairman Hyun-Joon Cho, this large-scale investment is recognized for reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-based raw materials and establishing a proprietary global stronghold for sustainable textiles.

 

Hyosung TNC has officially begun commercial operation of its 50,000-ton-per-year Bio-BDO (Butanediol) plant built in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Backed by a total investment of $1 billion, the project is equipped with the infrastructure to expand its production capacity up to 200,000 tons annually in line with future market growth.

 

Utilizing Bio-BDO, Hyosung TNC manufactures PTMG (Polytetramethylene Ether Glycol), a primary raw material for spandex polymers, at its Dong Nai plant, which is then seamlessly linked to the mass production of 'regen Bio' at its Dong Nai spandex facility, completing an integrated production system. By achieving vertical integration that handles everything from raw material procurement to finished products in a single production ecosystem, the company enhances raw material supply stability, while the transition from fossil to renewable raw materials contributes to reducing carbon emissions.

 

BDO, a key raw material for spandex, has traditionally been produced using petrochemical resources such as coal. However, the Bio-BDO introduced by Hyosung TNC is manufactured by fermenting sugars extracted from sugarcane, with responsible sourcing and traceability verified through the VIVE Sustainable Program.

 

Furthermore, beyond its application in spandex material (PTMG), BDO's usage is expanding across diverse industries, including automotive interior materials (TPU), biodegradable resins (PBAT), footwear soles, and industrial compounds. Hyosung TNC envisions developing the Vietnam facility beyond a mere manufacturing plant into a circular bio-material integrated platform spanning plastics and fine chemicals.

 

The fully integrated Vietnam bio-spandex production system is optimized to meet the demands of global premium bio-textile markets, including Europe and the United States. Its ability to swiftly adjust production system operating speeds in response to shifting market demands enables efficient fulfillment of rapid requests from global fashion clients.

 

Bio-spandex used in high-performance apparel, such as sportswear, swimwear, and denim, perfectly replicates the elasticity and durability levels of conventional petrochemical products. As transparent traceability from raw material to final fiber production and the substitution of fossil fuels with renewable raw materials contribute to reducing carbon emissions, partnerships with global luxury and sportswear brands seeking proactive compliance with climate regulations and ESG standards are expected to strengthen further.

 

Chairman Hyun-Joon Cho emphasized, "The bio business, which converts conventional fossil fuels into plant-based raw materials, will serve as a core pillar for Hyosung's next 100 years. Based on our Bio-BDO and Bio-Spandex integrated production system, we must strengthen our global market expansion and elevate the prestige of Hyosung's premium brand."