Celanese and Under Armour developed NEOLAST™ as a sustainable, performance-based spandex alternative.
By Rachael S. Davis, Executive Editor
Spandex, also known as elastane, has been prized for its elasticity since its invention in 1958. The fiber has become ubiquitous finding its way into sportswear, leisurewear, and even denim — any garment requiring stretch properties. However, spandex suffers from some inherent challenges when talking about sustainability. Traditional elastane fibers are not recyclable, and also require the use of hazardous chemical solvents during the spinning process. In addition, the fiber deteriorates in chlorine-heavy environments such as swimming pools, and doesn’t manage odors or moisture very effectively, among other performance issues.
With these challenges in mind, Celanese Corp., Irving, Texas, and Baltimore-based Under Armour Inc. partnered to create a new type of stretch fiber — one that is sustainable, delivers elite performance, and offers improved moisture management and comfort for the wearer. The resulting fiber, NEOLAST™, is a high-performance elastane alternative made from elastoester polymers using a proprietary solvent-free, melt-extrusion process.
NEOLAST fibers are woven or knit into stretch fabrics at a percentage of between
2 and 40 percent, which allows a manufacturer to either dial up or dial down the power-stretch level, depending on the application and needed power-stretch performance. The fibers may be blended with polyester, cotton, nylon, linen, rayon and silk, among other fibers.
According to Celanese, garments made using the fiber deliver stretch, durability, comfort and moisture management properties. In addition, the elastoester polymers, depicted as “NEOLAST polyester” on garment labels, are recyclable and therefore, so are garments made using NEOLAST.
Applications include sports apparel, stretch fleece, socks, medical items, shapewear, denim and narrow fabrics, to name just a few of the potential uses seen for the fiber.
“Working with a leading global 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 this innovative NEOLAST technology,” said Tom Kelly, senior vice president, Engineered Materials at Celanese. “… We are just beginning to unlock its potential and look forward to what’s ahead as we explore other opportunities with end users.”
Under Armour recently debuted the first product to feature NEOLAST, the Vanish Pro tee.
“We took a minimalist approach to the design of this shirt, eliminating distractions for the athlete and opting for classic lines that allow the NEOLAST material to shine,” said John Hardy III, senior director, Product, Under Armour. “The Vanish Pro tee’s durable material will not only increase its lifespan, it will offer consistent fit and stretch throughout the garment’s life. We’re proud to have developed the first apparel with this innovation and are excited about bringing more performance garments that utilize the future of stretch to athletes everywhere.”
“Part of the beauty of this material innovation is the value we’ve been able to add by taking things away,” said Kyle Blakely, senior vice president, Innovation, Development & Testing, Under Armour. “…We look forward to introducing this revolutionary performance fiber across additional product lines as we work to scale it and evolve the broader industry landscape.”
The NEOLAST innovation helps support Under Armour’s goal to eliminate the use of spandex its products by 75 percent by the year 2030. “Through performance-driven sustainability and innovation, we look forward to helping athletes play at the top of their game as we work with Celanese to realize this new fiber’s potential to forge a path toward circularity,” Blakely added.
For more information about NEOLAST™, visit celanese.com.
2024 Quarterly Volume III
