Baltimore, MD – October 28, 2025 – Under Armour is poised to redefine its brand identity, pivoting sharply towards sustainable practices with the integration of Unless Collective, a pioneering plastic-free apparel company.The move, spearheaded by industry leader Eric Liedtke, signifies a potentially transformative moment for the sportswear giant and the broader fashion landscape.
A New Era of Sustainable Sportswear
Table of Contents
- 1. A New Era of Sustainable Sportswear
- 2. Beyond Plastics: The Regenerative approach
- 3. Key Facts: Under Armour & Unless Collective
- 4. Wellness, Authenticity, and Future Leadership
- 5. The Future of Regenerative Fashion
- 6. Frequently Asked Questions about Sustainable Sportswear
- 7. How does the collaboration between Collective and under Armour address the challenge of matching the performance characteristics of traditional synthetic materials in sportswear?
- 8. Collaborative Endeavors by Collective and Under Armour in Plastic-Free Sportswear: Innovations for Sustainability
- 9. The Rise of Enduring Activewear
- 10. Collective & Under Armour: A Partnership for Change
- 11. Innovations in Plastic-Free Materials
- 12. Performance & Durability: Addressing Key Concerns
- 13. The Benefits of Choosing Plastic-Free Sportswear
- 14. Case Study: Collective’s Mylo™ Running Shoe Collaboration
Eric Liedtke, previously Brand President at Adidas and now at the helm of Under Armour’s sustainability efforts, has long championed environmentally conscious design. His career, spanning decades, includes groundbreaking collaborations with prominent figures like Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, and Beyoncé, all while advocating for responsible production. He is now focused on scaling regenerative fashion, a model focused on restoring and improving ecosystems, rather than simply minimizing harm.
Unless Collective, founded by Liedtke in 2021, quickly gained recognition as the world’s first apparel brand built entirely from renewable, plant-based resources. The acquisition by Under Armour in 2024 isn’t merely a purchase; it’s a fusion of expertise and scale, combining Unless Collective’s innovative material science with Under Armour’s global distribution network. This collaboration promises to accelerate the adoption of plant-based alternatives to customary, plastic-heavy sportswear fabrics.
Beyond Plastics: The Regenerative approach
The shift away from petroleum-based materials is gaining momentum. According to a recent report by the Textile Exchange, the use of recycled polyester in apparel increased by 18% in 2024, but it doesn’t address the root cause of microplastic pollution. Liedtke’s approach,however,goes further,aiming for complete elimination of plastics,foams,and toxic dyes. Every garment is envisioned not as waste at the end of its life, but as a resource that can return to the earth, mirroring natural cycles.
This ideology is a direct response to the unsustainable practices of fast fashion, which has created a culture of disposability. Liedtke envisions building business models that prioritize restoration and circularity, effectively reversing the harmful trends of the past. This represents a fundamental shift from a transactional relationship with clothing to a regenerative one.
Key Facts: Under Armour & Unless Collective
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Unless Collective Founded | 2021 |
| Unless Collective Focus | Plant-Based,Plastic-Free Apparel |
| Under Armour Acquisition | 2024 |
| Eric Liedtke’s Previous Role | Brand President,Adidas |
Did You Know? The fashion industry is responsible for an estimated 10% of global carbon emissions,according to the United nations Surroundings Program.
Wellness, Authenticity, and Future Leadership
Liedtke emphasizes that modern consumers are increasingly focused on wellness, extending their definition of health to include the environmental impact of their purchases. This growing awareness is driving demand for eco-conscious products that are not only performance-driven but also gentle on the skin and the planet. Under Armour is responding by creating garments designed for movement, comfort, and a clear purpose.
Furthermore, Liedtke stresses the importance of authentic influence. Partnering with athletes, designers, and storytellers who genuinely embody the values of sustainability is crucial for building trust and driving meaningful change. he firmly believes that brand change comes from genuine alignment, not superficial endorsements.
pro Tip: Look for certifications like OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) when choosing sustainable apparel to verify claims.
Liedtke’s leadership philosophy is anchored in curiosity, conviction, and courage.His advice to aspiring leaders? “Don’t let perfect get in the way of better,” and “Ask for advice, not permission.” He contends that progress is iterative,built through consistent,thoughtful steps.
The Future of Regenerative Fashion
The integration of Unless Collective into Under Armour is not an isolated event. It represents a pivotal moment in the broader movement towards a circular and regenerative fashion economy. Other brands are beginning to explore similar strategies, focusing on bio-based materials, closed-loop systems, and responsible manufacturing processes. The push for greater transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain is also gaining traction, driven by consumer demand and regulatory pressures.
This transformation demands collaboration across the entire industry – from material scientists and designers to manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. Investing in research and progress of innovative materials, promoting ethical labor practices, and fostering a culture of conscious consumption are all essential steps towards creating a more sustainable and equitable future for fashion.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sustainable Sportswear
- What is regenerative fashion? Regenerative fashion focuses on creating systems that restore and improve the environment,going beyond simply reducing harm.
- Why is plastic a problem in sportswear? Traditional sportswear relies heavily on plastics, which contribute to pollution and microplastic shedding during wear and washing.
- What materials are used in Unless Collective apparel? Unless Collective uses renewable, plant-based materials, avoiding plastics, foams, and toxic dyes.
- How is Under Armour transforming its sustainability practices? Under Armour is integrating Unless Collective’s expertise to scale plant-based apparel production and reduce its environmental footprint.
- What role do consumers play in sustainable fashion? Consumers can support sustainable brands, choose durable garments, and advocate for greater transparency in the fashion industry.
- Is plant-based apparel as durable as traditional sportswear? Innovative plant-based materials are being developed that offer comparable or even superior performance and durability to traditional synthetic fabrics.
- What is the biggest challenge to scaling regenerative fashion? The biggest challenge is transitioning existing supply chains and manufacturing processes to accommodate new, sustainable materials and practices.
what are your thoughts on Under Armour’s commitment to sustainability? How important is sustainable sourcing when you’re buying sportswear?
How does the collaboration between Collective and under Armour address the challenge of matching the performance characteristics of traditional synthetic materials in sportswear?
Collaborative Endeavors by Collective and Under Armour in Plastic-Free Sportswear: Innovations for Sustainability
The Rise of Enduring Activewear
The demand for sustainable sportswear is surging. Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of the fashion industry, particularly the prevalence of plastic pollution. This awareness is driving brands like Collective and under Armour to invest in innovative, eco-friendly materials and production processes. The collaboration between these two giants represents a meaningful step towards a more circular and responsible future for athletic apparel. This article delves into the specifics of their joint efforts, the technologies employed, and the benefits of plastic-free sportswear.
Collective & Under Armour: A Partnership for Change
Collective, known for its minimalist aesthetic and commitment to ethical production, partnered with Under Armour, a global leader in performance apparel, to tackle the challenge of plastic waste in sportswear. This isn’t simply a branding exercise; it’s a deep dive into material science and supply chain restructuring. The core objective? To create high-performance athletic wear without relying on virgin plastics.
The partnership focuses on three key areas:
* Material Innovation: Developing and scaling the use of bio-based materials.
* Circular Design: Designing garments for durability, repairability, and eventual recyclability.
* Supply Chain Clarity: Tracing materials from origin to finished product, ensuring ethical and environmental standards are met.
Innovations in Plastic-Free Materials
The biggest hurdle in creating sustainable athletic wear is finding materials that can match the performance characteristics of traditional synthetics like polyester and nylon. Both Collective and Under Armour are exploring several promising alternatives:
* Mylo™ Unleather: A leather alternative grown from mycelium (mushroom roots). This material offers a comparable look and feel to leather, with a significantly lower environmental footprint. While currently used in limited editions, scaling production is a key focus.
* Bio-based Nylon: Derived from castor beans, this nylon alternative reduces reliance on fossil fuels.It maintains the strength, elasticity, and moisture-wicking properties crucial for athletic performance.
* Recycled Content: While not entirely plastic-free, maximizing the use of recycled polyester (rPET) from plastic bottles is a crucial interim step. The goal is to move beyond recycled content towards truly bio-based solutions.
* Tencel™ Lyocell & Modal: these fabrics are made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, offering excellent breathability and softness. they are increasingly used in base layers and less-intensive athletic wear.
* algae-Based Fabrics: Emerging technologies are utilizing algae biomass to create fibers with unique properties, including UV protection and natural antimicrobial qualities.
Performance & Durability: Addressing Key Concerns
A common concern with eco-friendly fabrics is whether they can deliver the same level of performance as conventional materials. Under Armour’s expertise in athletic apparel development has been instrumental in addressing this.
Here’s how they’re tackling the challenges:
- Fiber Engineering: Modifying the structure of bio-based fibers to enhance strength, durability, and stretch.
- Weaving & Knitting Techniques: Employing advanced weaving and knitting techniques to optimize fabric performance and reduce material waste.
- Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Alternatives: developing PFC-free DWR treatments that provide water resistance without harmful chemicals. This is a critical area, as traditional DWR coatings frequently enough contain persistent pollutants.
- rigorous Testing: Subjecting new materials to the same rigorous testing protocols as their conventional counterparts, ensuring they meet Under Armour’s performance standards.
The Benefits of Choosing Plastic-Free Sportswear
switching to plastic-free activewear offers a multitude of benefits, extending beyond environmental responsibility:
* Reduced Carbon Footprint: bio-based materials generally have a lower carbon footprint than synthetic fabrics derived from fossil fuels.
* Decreased Plastic Pollution: Less reliance on virgin plastics helps to reduce the amount of plastic waste entering our oceans and landfills.
* Improved Breathability & Comfort: Many bio-based fabrics, like Tencel™ and algae-based materials, offer superior breathability and comfort compared to synthetics.
* Reduced Exposure to microplastics: Synthetic fabrics shed microplastics during washing, contributing to environmental pollution and potentially entering the food chain. Plastic-free alternatives minimize this risk.
* Support for Sustainable Innovation: Choosing these products encourages further investment in sustainable materials and production processes.
Case Study: Collective’s Mylo™ Running Shoe Collaboration
Collective’s initial foray into plastic-free footwear involved a limited-edition running shoe utilizing Mylo™ unleather. This collaboration demonstrated the potential of mycelium-based materials in high-performance applications. while production costs remain a challenge, the project provided valuable insights into material processing, durability, and consumer acceptance. The shoe received positive reviews for its comfort and aesthetic appeal,showcasing that sustainable footwear
