Dow Discontinues XLA Fiber
Midland, Mich.–based Dow Chemical Co. has announced that it will cease operations for and stop production of the Dow XLA stretch fiber within months.
XLA is part of the $58 billion chemical giant’s Dow Fiber Solutions division, which is also shuttering.
“This decision is consistent with our effort to streamline and focus the company’s portfolio of businesses,” said Rebecca Bentley, Dow’s senior public-affairs leader. “After a thorough review, Dow determined that DFS was unable to compete with other Dow Performance Businesses for further investment and expansion.”
DFS and XLA, which launched in 2002, targeted the contemporary and premium-denim markets, forming partnerships with brands such as Citizens of Humanity and Paige Premium Denim. XLA, an olefin-based soft stretch fiber, was billed as a good fit for the denim industry, as it could withstand the harsh chemicals and high temperatures used in washing and treating jeans.
As recently as April, Dow Fiber Solutions was announcing collaborations with a variety of brands. The latest collaboration was with United Kingdom–based brand Alexandra, which planned to release a collection of workwear made of fabrics using XLA.
XLA will fulfill final orders placed by customers before shutting down the XLA factory, which is located in Tarragona, Spain. “We will take every reasonable step to minimize any disruption to our customers’ business and to support their final product-supply requirements as they plan to transition their current business with XLA to suitable alternative materials,” Bentley said. Both DFS and the XLA factory will cease all operations in the next six to 18 months.—Erin Barajas
