R&D update
Big expectations of new wool technology
A revolutionary new knitting technology is giving hope within the industry for a dramatic increase in demand for woollen apparel, creating an initial demand for up to 1.5 million kilograms of wool early next year.
The Land reported recently that the “world’s largest spinner, Hong Kong’s Novotex group, in conjunction with Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), has produced a new lightweight fibre that promises to boost wool demand”.
Novotex's sister company, South Ocean, sells up to 50 million knitted garments a year to the key markets of Europe, the US and Japan.
The new technology allows basolan treatment, which gives wool qualities that allow it to absorb more dye, be brighter and feel softer, to be applied across a wide range of wool types including smooth wool, carbonised wool and wool top.
It is expected that the new product will be commercialised by the end of the year.
AWI trade general manager, Pascal Senkoff, told The Land that the “technology promises to increase the demand for wool in a market segment where it has lost significant market share”.
“This development really brings something new to the retail market, further differentiating wool from the rest of the market at retail level.”