This year, Woolmark commemorates its 60th anniversary, celebrating six decades of certifying high-quality wool products.
In honour of 60 years, Woolmark is innovating with a new recycled wool specification, expanding its certification to encompass sustainable practices.
Since 1964, the Woolmark logo has symbolised wool excellence and authenticity, appearing on over five billion wool and wool care products. The Woolmark Certification Program, managed internationally by The Woolmark Company, sets the gold standard for wool quality, assuring consumers they get premium fibres.
The Woolmark Company is pioneering a more sustainable future for textiles with the launch of its Recycled Wool sub-brand under the RW-1 Specification. “Wool is the most recycled apparel fibre globally,” explains John Roberts, Managing Director. This new mark, he adds, signifies a move away from traditional, wasteful production methods towards a circular model that reduces environmental impact.
The new Recycled Wool specification isn’t just about using recycled materials; it guarantees quality, too. Products must contain at least 20% recycled wool and meet the existing high standards of The Woolmark Certification Program. This ensures consumers get both sustainability and top-notch quality.
The launch of the Recycled Wool sub-brand underscores the company’s dedication to a more sustainable future for textiles. They’re taking a leadership role by promoting the development of high-quality, long-lasting natural products made with recycled fibres. This innovative approach minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency, offering a significant solution for the textile industry.
John Roberts, Managing Director of The Woolmark Company, acknowledges that wool makes up just 1% of the apparel fibre market. However, he sees the new Recycled Wool sub-brand as a strategic move. “By promoting the reuse and repurposing of wool,” he explains, “we can expand its use into new categories and extend the life cycle of this exceptional fibre.”
The Woolmark Certification Program encompasses clothing, fabrics, yarns, and home care products and features three primary logos: Woolmark (100% pure new wool), Woolmark Blend (50%- 99.9% new wool), and Wool Blend (30%- 49.9% new wool).
Owned by Australian Wool Innovation, The Woolmark Company reigns supreme as the global authority on wool. Leveraging its vast network of industry connections, it champions wool as the ultimate natural fibre – the star ingredient for top-of-the-line textiles. The Woolmark logo is a symbol recognized and respected worldwide, representing unwavering quality and pioneering excellence throughout the entire production chain, from farm to finished product.
As Woolmark celebrates its 60th anniversary, the introduction of Woolmark Recycled marks a significant step towards a more sustainable future, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality and environmental responsibility. Here’s to the next 60 years of innovation and excellence