Arena launches first swimwear collection featuri

Arena launches first swimwear collection featuring bio-derived Lycra

04/12/2025

Italian swimwear brand Arena is pioneering the market launch of Lycra EcoMade, The Lycra Company’s elastane yarn that is partially made from renewable resources. The brand has chosen a VitaLife fabric produced by Carvico in Italy. This family of fabrics was first presented at Mare di Moda last year (read our feature here). The knit fabric is made to resist chlorine, UV light and sunscreen lotions. Lycra EcoMade elastane is produced using Qira, a building block for elastane that is made from dent corn instead of fossil fuels, and it makes up around 70% of the stretch polymer. Commercial scale production of the innovative compound was launched this year by Qore at a new facility located in Eddyville, Iowa.

Arena’s design team is also introducing novel styles in the new range, including a single shoulder one-piece, along with O-back and Swim pro-back swimsuits made for dedicated swimmers. Each model is available in three harmonies combining earthy nuances with pastels.

“By introducing a bio-based elastane, we are reducing our dependence on virgin fossil fuels while offering the same level of performance and quality,” stated Arena CEO Peter Graschi.

Alistair Williamson, The Lycra Company head of EMEA and South Asia, added that the development of Lycra EcoMade was part of the company’s commitment to “actively reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the entire value chain, from suppliers to brands and to consumers”.

Photo courtesy of Arena

Arena launches first swimwear collection featuri - sportstextiles: Lea

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Arena launches first swimwear collection featuring bio-derived Lycra

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