Under Armour partners with James Heal to tackle microfiber pollution

Under Armour announced on Tuesday a partnership with precision testing solutions supplier James Heal to share its innovative fiber-shed test method with the industry.

Through this partnership, Under Armour has successfully developed and optimized fiber-shed test kits for industry use to make it easier for industry players to understand their own contribution to the microfiber issue.

These industry-friendly test kits enable a more accessible approach to understanding and mitigating the impact of synthetic and natural fabrics shedding fibers during production, wear, and cleaning.

“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 Under Armour. 

“At Under Armour, 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.”

Under Armour is not only making the test method publicly available but is also actively working toward reducing shedding in its product offerings. Through a pilot program, the company is developing a reduced shed version of its largest fleece offering, slated for launch in Fall/Winter 2024.

Moroever, Under Armour has provided complimentary test kits to high-volume textile mills in its global supply chain to encourage early intervention within its indirect scope.  

“Fiber-shedding in the textile industry is an extremely prevalent topic, and we are as keen as any to support ways to reduce this,” added Sam Tissington, commercial director at James Heal. 

“We are proud to support Under Armour in their attempts to further reduce the shedding of fiber throughout the manufacturing process of textiles, and to show that support we are providing global access to the Under Armour test method with the purchase of the Under Armour compiled Fiber-Shedding kits.”