Under Armour, James Heal’s innovative fiber-shed test kits now available for industry adoption

Under Armour, after extensive research in its innovation lab, introduced a breakthrough method earlier this year to tackle the sustainability challenge posed by microfibers and microplastics. Now, in collaboration with precision testing solutions provider James Heal, the brand is bringing this award-winning fiber-shed test method to the industry. Over the past eight months, the partners have developed and optimized industry-ready fiber-shed test kits based on Under Armour’s simplified, repeatable method.

James Heal is now offering the resulting fiber-shed test kits for industry use. The goal is to make it easier for companies to understand and address their contribution to the microfiber issue. The innovative test method, designed to overcome time and cost barriers, is supported by continued guidance from testing service provider Hohenstein, a recognized leader in textile testing, research, and certification.

Under Armour, recognizing the importance of early intervention, has not only made the test method publicly available but has also provided complimentary test kits to high-volume textile mills in its global supply chain. The aim is to encourage proactive measures within its indirect scope, emphasizing sustainability as a collaborative effort.

Kyle Blakely, Senior Vice President of Innovation for Under Armour, highlights the critical need for early intervention in mitigating shedding. The company’s sustainability goals, including having 75% of products made from low-shed materials by 2030, reflect their commitment to environmental impact reduction.

James Heal’s Commercial Director, Sam Tissington, expresses pride in supporting Under Armour’s initiatives to reduce fiber shedding in textile manufacturing. The company provides global access to the Under Armour test method through the purchase of Fiber-Shedding kits. Hohenstein, as a neutral third-party facility for testing and technical guidance, adds valuable support to the overall endeavor.

Dr. Timo Hammer, CEO at Hohenstein, emphasizes the significance of the new method in complementing their existing testing portfolio. As a leading research and test lab for textile fiber shedding, Hohenstein is proud to contribute as a neutral third-party facility in supporting Under Armour and its suppliers in their journey toward sustainability.