Walls made of wool

Wool for walls and carpets are all the rage in many exciting new interior projects.

As NZ First Leader Winston Peters said recently, wool is a ‘miracle thread’ that’s so much better for the health of people and planet.
That’s why the government is funding a range of innovative wool projects through the Sustainable Food and Fibres Futures (SFF Futures) fund.

To date, 20 strong wool projects from across the value-chain have been approved for funding, with $17.8 million of government investment via the Ministry for Primary Industries and co-funding of $22.9 million from industry partners, for a total of $40.7 million.

Projects that have received funding include Bremworth’s 100%, fully compostable wool carpets and rugs, and T&R Interior Systems’ Floc wool acoustic panel. The Floc ceiling and wall panels are designed to improve acoustics in spaces by absorbing sound and reducing reverberation (see main image).

“Both with huge potential to boost returns for our wool farmers significantly,” says Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson.

“These projects are focused on finding high-value opportunities for our strong wool, facilitating collaboration, and improving sector and supply chain capability.”

Other wool projects to receive government funding include:

• Autex Industries, is developing two woollen acoustic product systems to diversify the material selection within the acoustic panelling market.
• Studio Alida Limited, is developing machine-knit acoustic textile products for high-end commercial and residential interiors.
• Wools of New Zealand, is collaborating with leading architects and designers to develop a sustainable strong wool carpet tile that will meet both New Zealand and international building standards and environmental credentials. It aims to provide a natural alternative to the commercial building sector, which relies predominantly on nylon and polyester fibres.