Commenting on the company’s use of Merino, founder and president David Parkes said that Merino’s aesthetic, comfort and easy care attributes are well suited to use in activewear and also highlighted the importance of its eco-friendly qualities.

Melba Industries is a privately-owned textile manufacturer and has been in operation in Melbourne, Australia, for nearly 75 years. It has its own knitted and woven textile development and manufacturing, printing and lamination facilities and supplies fabrics to a range of specialty markets ranging from automotive to defence and emergency services.

Known for its Merino and Merino/wool blends, Melba has been focusing on developing refined Merino knits specifically for the performance markets over the past year. Whilst Merino wool is generally 24.5 micrometres (mc) in diameter or less, Melba uses 17.5mc to 18.5mc for next-to-skin products, 18.5mc to19.5mc for mid-layer apparel and to 21.5mc for outerwear. Viewed as an organically grown renewable resource, it is inherently soft, breathable, temperature regulating, water repellent, fire resistant, elastic and resistant to dirt and bacteria.

Concept III will showcase the new ranges available at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City, USA, in August.

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