Celanese and Under Armour team up for innovative stretch fabric fiber

Athletic apparel giant Under Armour has teamed up with specialty materials and chemicals company Celanese Corporation to develop a game-changing fiber for performance wear: Neolast. This innovative material promises to be a more sustainable and potentially recyclable alternative to the industry-standard elastane (commonly known as spandex), offering exciting possibilities for both athletes and the environment.

Neolast fibers boast the same powerful stretch, durability, comfort, and moisture-wicking properties expected from high-performance fabrics. However, they go beyond just performance by addressing key sustainability challenges associated with elastane. Here's how:

Solvent-free production: Neolast eliminates the potentially hazardous chemicals used in traditional elastane production.

Recyclable polymers: The fibers are made with recyclable elastoester polymers, a crucial step towards achieving a circular economy for stretch fabrics.

Improved recycling compatibility: Celanese and Under Armour are exploring how Neolast fabrics can integrate seamlessly with future recycling systems, potentially unlocking the door for widespread garment recycling.

This collaboration marks a significant step towards more sustainable athletic apparel. "Working with a leading brand like Under Armour to elevate the performance and sustainability benefits of their products is just the first of many great things we hope to accomplish with Neolast technology," said Tom Kelly, Celanese senior vice president of Engineered Materials.

While Neolast is still in its early stages, it has the potential to revolutionize the performance apparel industry. Its combination of high performance and sustainability could be a winning formula for athletes and the environment alike.