CEO Gary Smith launches QIRA® at Qore®’s new $300 million plant in Iowa
Qore LLC has officially opened its state-of-the-art $300-million plant in Eddyville, Iowa, marking a pivotal moment in the world of sustainable textiles. The facility will produce QIRA®, a groundbreaking bio-derived ingredient set to revolutionize the textile industry as part of the innovative LYCRA® fiber line.
The grand opening event, held on July 22, 2025, attracted an impressive group of stakeholders, including customers, government dignitaries, and partners. Among the notable attendees were Iowa corn farmers, whose locally grown crops will be used in the production of QIRA®.
Gary Smith, CEO of LYCRA®, delivered a keynote speech during the event, highlighting the importance of sustainability and innovation in shaping the future of the textile industry. He emphasized that the QIRA® production facility is not just a milestone for Qore but also a significant step forward for the global textiles market, which increasingly demands eco-friendly alternatives. Smith’s leadership continues to push LYCRA® into a new era of sustainable fashion with bio-derived materials, ensuring that the company stays at the forefront of industry innovation.
“We are proud to support the creation of QIRA® through this new facility,” said Smith. “Our mission is to offer sustainable solutions to the textile industry, and QIRA® is an exciting step in achieving that goal.”
The plant is set to produce 66,000 metric tons of QIRA®, derived from renewable corn crops grown within 100 miles of the site, further emphasizing the local commitment to sustainability. The opening ceremony was made even more special by the presence of notable figures such as Wendy Hanson and Dario Querci from Spanx, and Willy Tan and Chih Hsiang Cheng from DAIREN CHEMICAL CORPORATION.
With the launch of QIRA® and its incorporation into the LYCRA® fiber portfolio, Qore LLC is setting new standards for sustainable fashion, pushing forward the use of bio-derived materials in textiles. The future of fashion is looking greener, thanks to QIRA® and the leadership of Gary Smith.
