Australia produces around 60 per cent of all apparel wool (< 24.5 um), which is mainly Merino wool, and around 90 per cent of the fine apparel wool (<19.5 um), which is all Merino wool, as per an official from Australian Wool Innovation (AWI). Wool from the Merino breed of sheep of Australia is the preferred wool fibre for use in apparels.

“The wool fibre is around 1.5 per cent of the world's consumption of fibres by weight and 8 per cent by value. Of this, nearly 45 per cent wool by weight is used for apparel applications such as fine suiting, cardigans and pullovers, outerwear, undergarments, sportswear and outdoor wear. Merino wool is a fibre that is used in the premium and luxury market segments,” Rajesh Bahl, technical consultant, AWI.

Consumers are increasingly using sportswear and outdoorwear made of Merino wool for its natural attributes. “Wool is renewable and biodegradable. The moisture management, breathability, odour management properties of wool make it a performance fibre - a fibre of choice for sportswear applications. More and more sportswear and outdoorwear global brands are creating collections that feature wool, from mountaineering and snowboarding to sailing and yoga,” added Bahl.

Talking about the major changes that the Australian wool industry has witnessed, he said, “The wool industry led by AWI, owner of The Woolmark Company, is pursuing a scientific approach towards growing wool and its sales, including sheep health, paddock management, shearing, testing and standardisation of raw wool, supplemented by digital technology at all levels.”

Australian Merino wool is a natural, biodegradable and renewable fibre, making it the perfect choice for those seeking clothing that has minimal impact on the environment. Merino farmers are committed to exceptionally high standards of animal welfare, sustainable farming for the benefit of future generations, and responsible use of land and water resources, added Bahl. (KD)

Click here to read the complete interview.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India

Disclaimer - All News/Articles items are subject to copyright and no article either in full or part may be reproduced in any form without permission from Fibre2Fashion Pvt. Ltd.