The unique wool particles, powders and pigments developed have global export potential for applications as diverse as cosmetics, printing, luxury goods and personal care.
A commercial development company, Wool Source, has been formed to develop the new products and assess market demand for the strong wool innovation.
The organisation’s pilot production facility to manufacture its first deconstructed wool ingredients from 100% biodegradable, renewable and sustainable NZ strong wool has also just been completed.
“We’re delighted to announce these significant research and commercial milestones as we work to add value to the post-harvest strong wool industry alongside our collaborators and stakeholders,” WRONZ chairman Andy Fox said.
“By funding fundamental and enabling science that creates new uses and products from our traditional wool clip, we aim to create better outcomes for farmers with increased demand and pricing at the farm gate and create sustainable value across the wool sector.”
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will fund further product lines and commercial development as part of the wider New Uses for Strong Wool programme.
MPI is contributing $1.95 million via its Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFF Futures) fund alongside $2.92m from WRONZ.
The three-year programme aims to prove the commercial viability of the new deconstructed wool particle products.
The goal is to develop more sustainable product ingredient alternatives for global manufacturers and consumers while revitalising NZ’s strong wool sector, creating new value for our economy and communities.
Additionally, The Strong Wool Action Group (SWAG) announced it was jointly funding Wool Source’s market engagement alongside WRONZ.
“We’re providing support for Wool Source to undertake a deep dive project into particles, powders and pigments markets to assess the scale and viability of the commercial opportunity. New Zealand’s wool production, 90% of which is strong wool, is at a low point with declining sheep numbers,” SWAG chief executive Andy Caughey said.
“With many farmers selling wool at a net cost this season, the industry is desperately seeking innovation to boost strong wool demand and prices.”
Wool Industry Research Limited (WIRL), a wholly owned subsidiary company of WRONZ, is five years into its seven-year research contract for the New Uses for Strong Wool R&D programme.
The Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) invested $8.4m of the $21m seven-year project in partnership with WRONZ.
The research programme has focussed on deconstructing wool to a cellular and particle level and then reconstructing it for various product uses.
“I’m incredibly proud of the world-class research team we’ve assembled and our significant wool research capability,” WIRL chair Garth Carnaby said.
“Key research partners Lincoln Agritech, AgResearch and Lincoln University have helped us deliver outstanding research breakthroughs. We’re excited to see this research progress to the commercial development and market engagement phase, with the potential to stimulate new market demand for the New Zealand wool industry.”
Wool Source is looking for local partners, especially in personal care, cosmetics, pigments and printing.
For more information see www.woolsource.co.nz
