After years of research in its innovation lab, Under Armour (UA) announced a breakthrough fiber-shed testing method earlier this year to combat the invisible but formidable sustainability threat of microfibers and microplastics to society and the planet. Now, the brand has teamed up with James Heal, a leading provider of precision testing solutions, to put its award-winning testing method into practice.
Test kits made publicly available
Over the past eight months, the partners have developed and optimized test kits for the industry using UA’s simplified, repeatable method. The resulting test kits are now available for purchase from James Heal. As part of the partnership, the companies will continue to receive support and technical advice from testing service provider Hohenstein. Dr. Timo Hammer, Managing Director of Hohenstein, commented: “As one of the leading research and test labs for textile fiber-shedding, this new method perfectly complements our current testing portfolio. We are proud to support Under Armour and its suppliers as a neutral third-party facility for testing and technical guidance.”
During the production, wearing and cleaning of synthetic and natural textiles, fibers shed to varying degrees. The companies hope that improving access to their simplified fiber loss testing method can help industry stakeholders understand their contribution to the microfiber issue.
“Until now, integrating fiber-shed testing into industry research and development activities has required a significant time and cost investment,” said Kyle Blakely, Senior Vice President of Innovation for UA. “We believe intervening early to mitigate shedding is critical, which is why our test method is designed to specifically address these time and cost barriers to entry. Thanks to our partners at James Heal, we are excited to make our innovative test method widely available as we address our own environmental impact.”
In addition to releasing the test method, Under Armour has provided free test kits to major textile mills in its global supply chain to encourage early intervention within its indirect sphere of influence.
”Sustainability is a team sport”
While Under Armour is using the measurement alternative for its own brand, Michael Levine, UA’s Vice President & Chief Sustainability Officer, said the company is excited to bring the method to the industry – because “sustainability is a team sport”. “As we progress toward our goal for 75 percent of products to be made of low-shed materials by 2030, we will continue to pursue opportunities to magnify Under Armour’s impact in the collective fight against shedding,” he said.
As part of a new pilot program, UA is currently developing a reduced-shed version of its largest fleece offering, which is expected to launch in FW 2024. By continuing to support the redevelopment of fabrics that are less likely to fray, the brand aims to improve the durability and performance of products to support athletes.
