Sayonara, spandex.

Under Armour’s latest material innovation hit the shelves on Monday, May 13. Retailing for $40, the Vanish Pro Training Tee features the recyclable spandex alternative NEOLAST.

Under Armour released its Vanish Pro Training Tee, featuring the new spandex alternative NEOLAST, Monday.

The apparel firm developed the material with chemical company Celanese. NEOLAST fibers are manufactured without solvents and with recyclable elastoester polymers, negating the environmental impact of elastane, also known as spandex – a petroleum-based fabric that is not recyclable or biodegradable.

The new performance tees are likely only the beginning of NEOLAST’s introduction in clothing. Celanese plans to roll out the fabric to the larger apparel industry as a spandex alternative, according to a January press release.

“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,” said Kyle Blakely, Under Armour’s senior vice president, in the release.

The introduction of NEOLAST is on course with Under Armour’s goal to cut 75% of spandex in its products by 2030. This is just one of Under Armour’s sustainability goals, including reducing single-use plastic packaging 75% by 2025 and reaching 35% recycled-polyester usage in products by 2030.

As the promotional products and apparel industries shift toward increased sustainability, NEOLAST helps solve for performance wear’s dependence on unrecyclable fabrics. Its production also eliminates the likely hazardous chemicals usually used in the production of stretch materials, according to the January release. NEOLAST is made using a solvent-free melt-extrusion process.

“This new NEOLAST fiber represents a transformative innovation for Under Armour and the textile industry, embodying our commitment to building better products for our customers and planet,” said Tim Kelly, senior vice president of engineered materials at Celanese, in the release.

Honoring Under Armour’s legacy performance T-shirt, the Vanish Pro Training Tee inverts the white tee and black logo with its black material and white branding. Despite its transformative material, the new shirt still features the classic light, breathable and fast-drying features of Under Armour performance gear, according to the company.

The Vanish Pro Training Tee

“We took a minimalist approach to the design of the shirt, eliminating distractions for the athlete and opting for classic lines that allow the NEOLAST material to shine,” said John Hardy III, senior director of product at Under Armour, in a press release this month. “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.”

Though the Vanish Pro Tee doesn’t yet appear to be available in the promo industry, it’s likely that lower-impact spandex alternatives will be coming sooner rather than later – especially given Under Armour’s commitment to a reduced elastane future and Celanese’s goal to bring the fabric to the larger apparel industry. Under Armour also announced it continues to explore possibilities for NEOLAST.

“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,” Blakely said.

Promo for the Planet is your destination for the latest news, biggest trends and best ideas to help build a more sustainable and socially-responsible industry.