Application of crops in the production of modern fabrics

The Lycra Company has introduced Renewable Lycra fiber, which consists of 70 percent renewable components. Part of this raw material is sourced from field corn grown in the American Midwest. According to the manufacturer, this material retains the properties of traditional Lycra fibers while contributing to a reduction in the carbon footprint of finished garments.

In parallel, scientists are working on finding alternatives to fluorinated chemical compounds used for textile treatment. A student team from the University of Texas at Austin has developed the Maízein Movement project. As part of this technology, a fabric coating has been created based on zein protein extracted from corn and beeswax. This compound is applied to cellulose to make the material resistant to water and stains. According to the project description presented at the Biodesign Challenge 2026, this technique provides water-repellent properties while maintaining the original appearance and durability of the fabric.

The research is currently in the development stage as part of Brandon Nguyen's master's thesis. The authors plan to secure grants and relevant industry partners for further study of the method.