Research explores new uses for wool

The days when sheep outnumbered people in New Zealand are long gone, yet wool remains a staple for many locally used, and exported value-added products.

New Zealand merino wool is highly valued internationally, and both the industry and the wool products made in Aotearoa now are much more varied than even five years ago.

Now sheep are not just farmed to be eaten and shorn. Thanks initially to a joint research initiative between the Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand, and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, a variety of new uses for wool fibre were explored and developed. The latter has included the development of wool particles, powders and pigments having export potential for applications as diverse as cosmetics, printing, luxury goods and personal care.

Research led to the launch of commercial development company Wool Source to evolve new products and assess market demand for the strong (cross-bred) wool innovation, along with completion of its pilot production facility to manufacture its first deconstructed wool ingredients from 100 per cent biodegradable, renewable and sustainable New Zealand strong wool.

Today the company exists to commercialise and launch innovative new uses for New Zealand’s strong wool, that are good for people and the planet.

Much research today is focused on deconstructing wool to a cellular and particle level, and then reconstructing it
for various product uses.

Wool is also enjoying a resurgence at a cottage industry level, and as part of sustainability initiatives.
Creating pure wool blankets, reinventing old blankets into fashionable garments, and using wool in the construction industry, are all developments bringing a spotlight back on to the country’s sheep and wool.

Here are some of the uses for this natural fibre: