Australian Wool Innovation is educating China why wool is not hard to care for.

In mid November, Sam Guthrie (General Manager - Greater China) and Allan De Boos (Woolmark Technical Services Manager) attended the launch, in Beijing, of the Woolmark Apparel Care program for the endorsement of washing machines in China.

In this program the Woolmark Company is cooperating with the China Household Electrical Appliance Research Institute (known as CHEARI). CHEARI are quasi-governmental authority that specialises in the testing and certification of household electrical equipment sold in China.

While CHEARI are very active in developing standards for the Chinese Government and within international bodies such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)  in this instance, the standards to be met by the washing cycles are those established by The Woolmark Company.

The use of the Woolmark on apparel and interior textiles in China is now well established. The Woolmark Apparel Care program for the endorsement of wool wash cycles has been developed for use by elite washing machine brands (eg Samsung, Haier, Whirlpool) who have now established manufacturing facilities in China to service the growing Chinese consumer market.

It is anticipated that the program will increase the number of washing machine makers seeking Woolmark endorsement for their machines and the visibility of Woolmark for the Chinese consumer and is an example of innovative use of the Woolmark and its people.

The endorsement program extends beyond washing machines to washing products such as detergent. The program is designed to carry the heritage of care from the woolgrower right through to the care of the garment. Doing so builds further trust and exposure in the Woolmark.