The fashion industry has a stretch problem. Elastane (or spandex)—the material that gives everything from activewear to denim its stretch—comes with a hidden cost. It’s petroleum-based, difficult to recycle, and a major contributor to the growing issue of textile waste. But what if there was a way to achieve the same comfort and flexibility, without the environmental drawbacks?
Meet YULASTIC—a plant-based, sustainable alternative to elastane that’s set to shake up the fashion industry in 2025. Developed by Yulex, the pioneers behind natural rubber-based wetsuits for brands like Patagonia, O’Neill, and Finisterre, YULASTIC is a fine, natural rubber filament harvested from the Hevea brasiliensis tree (or, as most of us call it, a rubber tree). It’s fully renewable, responsibly sourced, and poised to become the go-to stretch fiber for brands looking to reduce their reliance on synthetic materials.
Unlike conventional spandex, which is derived from fossil fuels, YULASTIC is made from natural rubber—one of nature’s original elastics. It offers the same stretch and recovery performance as elastane, without the reliance on petrochemicals.
Elastane makes up just 2% of most garments, yet over 80% of all clothing contains it—and that small percentage makes a big impact. Elastane can’t be easily recycled when blended with other fibers, reducing the garment’s end-of-life options. YULASTIC provides a bio-based alternative that can help solve this issue.
YULASTIC isn’t just sustainable—it performs. In lab tests, YULASTIC matches synthetic elastane in strength, elongation, and durability, and actually outperforms it in elastic recovery—which means stretch fabrics bounce back better, keeping their shape longer. As Yulex CEO Liz Bui puts it:
"Soft, stretchy, and excellent recovery—no bag, no sag."
Technically speaking, YULASTIC is a return to nature’s first elastomer. “Mother Nature has been making the best polymers since day one,” says Bui. “But we’ve replaced natural fibers with non-biodegradable plastics that last forever and are impossible to recycle. And look where that got us.”
YULASTIC will first roll out in socks and denim, where stretch fibers enhance comfort and fit. With denim brands looking for more sustainable stretch options, YULASTIC offers a way forward.
The filaments are locally sourced and purified in Thailand and Vietnam, reducing transportation emissions and ensuring the supply chain benefits the regions where the raw materials are grown.
Several household-name fashion brands are already on board, preparing to integrate YULASTIC into their collections. While we can’t reveal their names just yet, chances are you already have their products in your wardrobe.
The launch of YULASTIC marks another major milestone in Yulex’s mission to replace petroleum-based materials with sustainable, plant-based alternatives. Just as they transformed the wetsuit industry with their natural rubber neoprene alternative, they’re now leading the charge to revolutionize stretch textiles.
Stay tuned for upcoming brand announcements—and if you’re a designer, brand, or industry insider looking to learn more, reach out. YULASTIC is here to change the way fashion stretches into the future.
