Innovative Wool Products Revolutionize Textile Industry

Blending super soft wool and brown seaweed to create a natural performance fibre is one of the revolutionary product development projects that Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) is proud to announce its working on. 

The groundbreaking innovation, called Wool Alginate Fibre Blend, showcases the versatility and superior performance of wool, reinforcing its position as a sought-after and adaptable natural fibre.  

AWI Chief Executive Officer John Roberts says product innovation is an essential part of what AWI does for woolgrowers. 

"At AWI, we want wool in as many different products as possible, so we work at pushing the boundaries of wool technology. These new developments not only highlight the incredible versatility and performance of wool but also underscore our dedication to sustainability and innovation. We believe these advancements will set new standards in the textile industry and open up exciting opportunities for designers and manufacturers worldwide. 

Innovation is at the heart of what we do at AWI. By continuously exploring new applications and technologies for wool, we help create products that meet the evolving demands of consumers who prioritise sustainable and natural fibres. This not only helps us tap into new markets but also reinforces wool's position as a premium, eco-friendly material." 

The Wool Alginate Fibre Blend is one of four innovative trends AWI is highlighting: 

Wool Alginate Fibre Blend 

Combining fibres from land and sea, the Wool Alginate Fibre Blend integrates the capabilities of wool with the natural advantages of brown seaweed. This innovative yarn offers a circular solution for performance apparel, medical textiles, workwear, and home textiles. Developed in partnership with Südwolle Group and IMPETUS Portugal Têxteis, the wool alginate blend yarn brings a new dimension of comfort and seamless adaptation to both indoor and outdoor environments. It combines wool's natural softness, moisture absorption, and flame resistance with brown seaweed's enhanced skin comfort and moisture retention. 

Whole Garment Knitting Technology 

Merino wool can be knitted into garments using whole garment knitting technology, enhancing comfort, reducing waste, and enabling the creation of sophisticated, innovative designs for both apparel and footwear. AWI’s latest performance capsule collection developed in collaboration with Shima Seiki Italia, H-Dry Technology, and Macpi Group, highlights the natural performance capabilities of Merino wool. This technology allows for the creation of garments with minimal seams, reducing textile waste and enhancing comfort. The innovative process is showcased in this new performance wear capsule collection for mountain and snow sports, emphasising wool's thermoregulation, breathability, strength, and elasticity. 

Lightweight Performance Wool 

This collection of functional fabrics combines lightweight construction with exceptional softness, offering protection against elements such as wind and sun. Designed for versatility, these fabrics are ideal for sports, outdoor adventures, and everyday lifestyle wear. With next-to-skin comfort, stretch, moisture management, breathability, and natural odour resistance, they provide a high-performance, natural alternative to traditional synthetic soft-shell materials.  

Wool Denim 

Durable, versatile, and iconic, wool denim reimagines this classic fabric by blending the timeless appeal of denim with the natural benefits of wool, including comfort, breathability, durability, and adaptability. This innovative fusion results in wardrobe essentials that go beyond the ordinary. Whether it’s shirting, suiting, or denim-inspired knits, wool denim paves the way for a new era, honouring tradition while embracing forward-thinking design and style.