The SBTi has validated The Lycra Company (The Lycra Co)’s Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) target ambitions align with a 1.5-degree Celsius trajectory, as recommended by the Paris Agreement. The Lycra Co has committed to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2021 base year. In addition, the company will reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services by 25% within the same timeframe.

To reduce Scope 1 emissions, The Lycra Co is moving to lower-impact energy sources at its production sites. Work is already underway to convert its Maydown, Northern Ireland site to cleaner fuel sources with project completion anticipated by the first quarter of 2025.

By converting purchased electricity to renewable sources through Energy Attribute Certificates, The Lycra Co is also reducing its Scope 2 emissions. This has been completed at production sites in Foshan, China, and Maydown, Northern Ireland. Two additional sites are being converted over the next two years.

The Lycra Co also works with ingredient suppliers to convert to lower-impact inputs to reduce its Scope 3 emissions. An example is the company’s collaboration with Qore to use its brand QIRA to develop and commercialise bio-derived Lycra fibre at scale. Over the next several years, nearly 30% of the company’s current spandex capacity will be converted to bio-derived Lycra fibre.

“We are committed to making positive change in our industry and have set ambitious emission targets because we believe it’s essential for business success, but more importantly, it’s the right thing to do,” said Gary Smith, The Lycra Co’s CEO.

He added: “By making these changes, we can help reduce not only our emissions but those of our customers as well.”