Spandex, a copolymer based on polyurea-polyurethane also known as elastane are used in a wide range of textiles due to its qualities like strength and strong elasticity as well its ability to return to its original shape after stretching as compared to ordinary fabrics. The global market for spandex has been constantly increasing due to rising demand from the textile and apparel industry.

However, on the other hand, the prices of spandex are witnessing a fluctuation at minimal rates. In early July 2014, prices of spandex were reduced due to weak trading activities, as well as the easing of tight supply of spandex and low demand from the downstream market. Although the market for spandex is currently growing, it has been extremely challenging with demand being weak in emerging economies such as the US since the global economic slow-down in 2008.

Spandex was first manufactured by E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. The fibers of spandex are manufactured through various processes such as solution wet spinning, solution dry spinning, reaction spinning and melt extrusion. All the processes include the reaction with monomers to develop a prepolymer, after which it is reacted further through certain techniques to finally make the fibres. Among all the methods, dry spinning is the most preferred choice for manufacturing spandex fibres.