R&D update
Cosmetics customers to benefit from new wool-blend
The unique qualities of wool are being recognised beyond the apparel market, reported the West Australian Countryman newspaper this month.
Skincare cosmetic pads made from an 18.5 micron non-woven wool blend are expected to be on the market in the first half of 2006.
The pads are the result of a partnership between Australian Wool Innovation Ltd and China’s leading non-woven manufacturer, Xinlong.
Xinlong currently sells 600 tonnes of viscose cosmetic skincare pads each year, most of which are sold in China, but the company believes a wool-viscose blend product could take up to 30%, or 200 tonnes, of the market.
AWI has worked with Xinlong to develop and now commercialise the cosmetic pads.
The natural properties of wool are a marketing advantage among traditional non-woven fabrics since a wool-blend product has a better compatibility with the skin and is better for people with sensitive skin.
After commercialisation of the cosmetic pads, AWI will work with Xinlong and Deakin University on the development of and commercialisation of non-woven wool blend interlining for suits.
In recent years, Xinlong has been expanding its export sales into Asia, the US and Europe.