Hyosung's Technological Innovations in Summer Sports Materials

2023.07.25

Amidst rising temperatures and scorching sun, it is challenging to escape the summer heat, especially when engaging in sports. Instead of merely seeking refuge under indoor air conditioning, we can embrace exercise that provides both refreshment for the mind and vitality for the body. This can be an excellent way to spend the summer, especially when sweating is more prevalent and physical stamina is easily depleted due to the heat; becoming essential to choose sportswear made from specialized materials. Clothing that absorbs sweat efficiently, dries quickly, and has good elasticity can help regulate body temperature, which can maintain a refreshing sensation, and ensure cleanliness. In addition, Hyosung incorporates its expertise into well-known recreational items such as tennis racquets, golf clubs, and fishing rods, allowing users to enjoy lighter and more active pastimes. Technologies of Hyosung, help make the summer more thrilling and vibrant.

 


 

Enhancing Sports Performance with Hyosung's Technology

Tennis is a sport that can be played both outside and inside, which makes it a popular choice for many people during the summer. The weight of a tennis racket has a significant impact on power and maneuverability. A heavier racket can provide more stability and power, but it can also cause fatigue and strain on the shoulders and elbows with repeated swings. A lighter racket, on the other hand, may provide more maneuverability, but it may also result in less power and difficulty striking the ball.  Therefore, the material and weight of a tennis racket are crucial factors in its design. Hyosung incorporates "carbon fiber," a material known for its lightweight and high strength, into tennis rackets. These rackets offer exceptional maneuverability and power thanks to their lightweight design and superior strength. Additionally, they help minimize the chances of fatigue and injuries. Carbon fiber tennis rackets offer a great balance of lightness and resilience. They are designed with longer handles and wider racket surfaces, which greatly enhance user convenience. As a result, tennis players can experience improved endurance and power while using these rackets. This combination of benefits has made carbon fiber rackets increasingly popular among players who prioritize lighter and more convenient equipment without compromising performance.

Hyosung's carbon fiber, known as a "dream material" and a substitute for steel, is 10 times stronger than steel but four times lighter. Carbon fiber possesses a wide range of exceptional qualities. These include high strength, elasticity, excellent heat resistance that can withstand high temperatures, low thermal expansion, outstanding durability even under repetitive usage without any degradation in performance, superior thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance. In 2008, Hyosung began independently developing and producing carbon fiber, which in which in 2011 led to the launch of TANSOME®, the first high-performance carbon fiber brand in South Korea.

Hyosung's advanced carbon fiber offers numerous benefits, including high strength and lightweight properties. These advantages are not limited to just tennis rackets; they also find application in a wide variety of sports and leisure products. For example, golf clubs, fishing rods, bicycles, skis, and snowboards all benefit from the use of Hyosung's carbon fiber. This versatile material transcends seasons, making it suitable for use throughout the year. This remarkable material has become an essential component of our everyday lives, as it is utilized in sports and leisure products that are in close proximity to us.

 


 

Hyosung's Eco-Friendly Swimsuits: Excellent Elasticity and Resilience with Environmental Consciousness

Choosing from an assortment of patterns and colors have become one of the most pleasurable aspects of swimwear.  Sustainability has recently emerged as a new selection criterion for swimwear as a result of the trend's increased significance. Among the eco-friendly materials used by Hyosung TNC are regen Nylon, a nylon fiber, and regen Polyester, a polyester fiber. Additionally, they employ the bio-based fiber known as regen Bio-based, which is highly regarded for its environmentally friendly nature and technological advancements. Incorporating functionality into their swimwear designs, Hyosung TNC uses special fibers like Creora Highclo, which protects against chlorine damage, Askin, offering exceptional transparency and UV protection, and Creora Powerfit, known for its excellent stretch and body contouring properties. By combining these functional fibers with eco-friendly materials, the brand creates a wide range of swimwear that not only offers practicality but also promotes environmental consciousness. These swimwear options offer exceptional elasticity and recovery for maximum comfort. Moreover, the production process is eco-friendly, further contributing to sustainability efforts. By wearing these swimwear options, consumers can support environmental protection and send a meaningful message about the importance of caring for our planet.

In particular, Hyosung TNC's regen Bio-Based is a representative product using biomass technology. Unlike conventional yarns derived mostly from petrochemicals, regen Bio-based is a groundbreaking bio-fiber created by replacing some of the previously used coal extracts for spandex production with corn-based materials certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as bio-based. Based on our technological prowess as the world's leading spandex market share holder, Hyosung TNC succeeded in commercializing regen Bio-based, the world's first bio-based fiber, after more than a year of research and development. According to a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) evaluation, when regen Bio-based is applied, water usage can be reduced by about 39% and carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced by about 23% compared to conventional spandex. Every ton of regen Bio-based used is equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by 378 pine trees in one year. In June 2022, Hyosung TNC's regen Bio-Based obtained the 'Eco Product Mark', a global eco-friendly certification, from SGS, a world-class inspection, verification, testing, and certification agency headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. This certification is awarded to products that use eco-friendly raw materials, harmless to the human body, and are produced in an eco-friendly way through ESG management. There were cases where corn raw materials were used in the manufacture of packaging materials, cosmetics, and liquid detergents, but Hyosung TNC's regen Bio-Based was the first in the world to be used as a raw material for high-functional textile products. This distinction highlights its significant impact and represents a meaningful development in the field of sustainable textiles.

 


 

Unbeatable Outdoor Apparel for Summer Hiking

Even in the scorching summer, mountain climbers who have a deep love for the mountains persist in their adventures. Among them, nature enthusiasts carefully consider the materials used in their hiking attire, aiming to make choices that do not harm the environment. Their dream is to climb mountains while wearing sustainable clothing, ensuring not only their well-being but also the preservation of nature. To fulfill the aspirations of these climbers, Hyosung plays a vital role by crafting outdoor apparel made from sustainable materials.

Hyosung TNC's 'regen Ocean Nylon' is an eco-friendly fiber that takes the lead in conserving marine ecosystems by recycling discarded fishing nets. Developed and successfully commercialized by Hyosung TNC as the world's first of its kind in 2007, regen Ocean Nylon has recently expanded its production capacity after completing facility expansion at the end of last year. regen Ocean Nylon is a high-value recycled fiber with a positive impact on marine ecosystem preservation and environmental protection, which has drawn attention and received love calls from brands that are proactive in these areas. In the 2023 Spring/Summer season, regen Ocean Nylon is actively utilized in the production of clothing, bags, and other items. Recently, it has been applied to K2, an outdoor brand's training sets, polo shirts, backpacks, as well as North Face's rash guards and wind jackets.

Globally, a staggering 640,000 tons of fishing nets are discarded annually, with South Korea alone contributing 44,000 tons to this environmental issue. These discarded fishing nets, left adrift in the ocean, pose a significant threat to marine life, including dolphins and sea turtles, endangering their lives and disrupting the delicate ecosystem. regen Ocean Nylon offers a vital solution to this problem. By transforming these discarded fishing nets into a material like regen Ocean Nylon, we can play a crucial role in preserving the marine ecosystem and safeguarding the right to life for marine organisms.

In addition to regen Ocean Nylon, Hyosung TNC offers other innovative eco-friendly fibers to promote sustainability in the textile industry. One such product is regen Robic, a 100% recycled nylon with exceptional strength and durability. It is a high-strength, eco-friendly nylon made from recycled fishing nets, known as regen Ocean Robic. Another sustainable option is regen Aqua-X, a nylon fiber that contains 10% recycled materials, providing cooling, moisture absorption, and UV blocking effects. regen Aqua-X finds broad application in various products, including activewear and golfwear, thanks to its cool touch and widespread popularity. Meanwhile, regen Robic and regen Ocean Robic's outstanding strength and durability make them suitable not only for outdoor clothing but also for outdoor backpacks and tents. Notably, Osprey, the leading global outdoor backpack brand, utilizes regen Ocean Robic, an eco-friendly fiber made from 100% discarded fishing nets. This product has gained significant attention in the market, further reinforcing its importance in environmental conservation efforts. Hyosung TNC's commitment to sustainability is evident through regen Ocean Nylon's impressive environmental benefits. Compared to conventional nylon production, regen Ocean Nylon reduces CO2 emissions by 73%, fossil fuel use by 75.7%, and water consumption by 98.6%. As the world's only company capable of producing recycled fibers for the three major chemical fibers, Hyosung TNC has earned recognition as a leading eco-friendly fiber producer. Our dedication to enhancing the functionality of eco-friendly recycled fibers continues through ongoing research and development, ensuring the introduction of differentiated, sustainable fibers that support active and eco-conscious lifestyles.

 

Hyosung not only helps people enjoy sports easily and with fun through excellent technology, but also reduces the negative impact on the environment by utilizing eco-friendly materials. Hyosung promises to develop more useful sporting goods through the development of innovative technologies to revitalize our lives and develop materials that take the lead in protecting the environment. Hyosung's technological prowess will create a better tomorrow, and we will constantly research and drive innovation for better lifestyles.