Woolmark to start certifying recycled fibres
Industry promotions body The Woolmark Company has launched a new specification for recycled wool. Now, for the first time, it is making the widely recognised Woolmark symbol of authenticity available for use on recycled fibres.
It is now 60 years since The Woolmark Company first began certifying wool and products made from it. The introduction of the recycled wool specification is part of its celebration of the anniversary.
It said the new specification would allow it to launch Recycled Wool as a new sub-brand and it argued that this was “a significant step towards a more sustainable textile industry, reducing waste and pollution”.
To earn the right to display the Recycled Wool label, a product will have to meet The Woolmark Company’s quality standards and will have to contain at least 20% recycled fibre. Products can feature recycled wool from pre-consumer sources, such as fabric cutting-waste, or from post-consumer sources, including garments.
“Wool accounts for only 1% of the apparel fibre market,” said the company’s managing director, John Roberts, “but wool is the most recycled apparel fibre globally.”
Visitors to Milano Unica in Milan (July 9-11) will be able to learn more about the new Recycled Wool specification.
