Single-use functionality is a key attribute of hygiene products, which results in over 20 billion landfilled diapers per year. To deliver comfort and performance, diapers incorporate spandex fiber into the leg cuff and waistband as part of a stretch laminate architecture. The spandex fiber is traditionally a durable polyurethane with robust processing characteristics, however having a slow rate of environmental breakdown upon disposal. A new fiber technology has been developed in order to facilitate rapid degradation upon disposal of the diaper. This novel technology maintains overall end-product performance and quality, allowing manufacturing using standard lamination processes, while imparting increased susceptibility to environmental degradation. In addition, the improved fiber delivers higher modulus and greater retractive force per unit decitex, allowing a reduction in fiber content and less waste during garment manufacturing. The result is a trifecta of improved environmental compatibility, higher performance per unit decitex, and a reduction in overall content for more sustainable garment creation.