Brugnoli and LYCRA Launch Bio-based Cycling Fabric
The new collaboration introduces sustainable, high-performance textiles for professional cycling apparel.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Organic Food
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Brugnoli and The LYCRA Company have introduced a new bio-based technical fabric line for PISSEI cycling wear. The project aims to boost sustainable content in performance gear while maintaining necessary compression and comfort.
Why it matters
The collaboration seeks to lower the carbon footprint of elite athletic apparel by integrating renewable materials into high-performance garment manufacturing. This effort addresses industry demands for more sustainable textile production without sacrificing the technical capabilities required by professional athletes.
The Br4/E1 fabric features 89% bio-based material, including 70% derived from industrial corn. These textiles also provide UV50+ protection while reducing overall energy and water usage in finishing processes by 20%.
The players
Brugnoli
An Italian textile manufacturer based in Sacconago that specializes in developing high-performance, sustainable fabric technologies.
The LYCRA Company
A global producer of fiber and technology solutions known for its stretch-focused synthetic materials used in apparel.
PISSEI
An Italian sportswear brand headquartered in Agliana that focuses on the design and production of professional cycling clothing.
The details
Produced in Sacconago, the Br4/E1 fabric combines bio-based polyamide with Renewable LYCRA elastane to achieve higher sustainability standards. These materials are estimated to reduce climate change impact by up to 45% compared to standard fibers used in high-performance cycling kits.
Timeline
October 28, 2026: The project was officially announced.
Culture Shift
This development aligns with a growing industry trend of moving away from fossil-fuel-based synthetics toward plant-derived polymers. By integrating these fibers, manufacturers are attempting to reshape consumer expectations for high-performance gear in a resource-conscious society.
Cyclists may soon find more environmentally conscious apparel options in their local shops that meet professional performance standards. These garments provide the same compression and UV protection as legacy products while utilizing renewable industrial corn derivatives.
The takeaway
The move toward bio-based textiles demonstrates that performance wear does not have to rely exclusively on traditional petroleum synthetics. Consumers can look for labels highlighting renewable content as a indicator of reduced environmental impact in their future gear purchases.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in sustainable textiles on the Organic Food section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fibre2fashion.
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Would you trust bio-based fabrics to perform as well as traditional materials in athletic clothing?
