AWI to decide apparel market opportunities for 'ethical Merino wool'
15 Sep '06
3 min read
Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI) in collaboration with Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (QDPI&F) recently commissioned the The Woolmark Company (TWC) to undertake market research in Western Europe, Japan and the USA to determine the potential customer requirements and demand for 'ethical Merino wool'.
'Ethical wool' apparel products are those produced from fibre grown in an environmentally sustainable manner, and according to recognised animal welfare, human rights and social justice standards.
The results of the research have revealed market segments in each region that offer the best potential for 'ethical' Australian Merino wool apparel.
Ian Rogan, AWI General Manager Wool Production said as a result of the market research, AWI is better able to determine apparel market opportunities for 'ethical Merino wool'.
“We now have an indication of the level of interest, the specifications and the standards required by potential supply chain partners to meet these market requirements,” said Mr Rogan.
Two thirds of respondents to the research were large apparel companies with an annual turnover of $US500m or more, the remaining third were niche companies who were typically 'ethical' pioneers in their market segments.
“Australian Merino wool is already regarded as one of the more sustainably grown fibres in the world. The 'ethical wool' research will assist AWI in preparing Australian woolgrowers, if they choose, to meet the stringent conditions of growing niche supply chains as they arise,” said Ian Rogan.
-Ltd..jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Thermore (Far East) Ltd.")
.jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Limited (TSllC Ltd)")
.jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF)")
