DuPont announced recently that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has granted approval for a new generic fiber subclass in recognition of T-400, a fiber marketed under the Lycra brand by DuPont Textiles & Interiors (DTI).

With the generic elasterell-p, T-400 -- previously named DP 0002 as a temporary generic -- is designed to offer comfort stretch, resulting in the first significant use of DuPont Lycra on garments that do not contain elastane/spandex, according to the company.

Currently, garments at retail with T-400 include denim from Liz Claiborne and Levi and shirts from Tommy Hilfiger. DTI is currently producing T-400 in Chattanooga, Tenn., and has licensed Toray in Japan for T-400 production aimed at the Japanese marketplace.