New Woolmark programme aims for a 'nature-positive future'

This week, Woolmark is launching “a major future-proofing programme for the wool industry”, with Woolmark+ being “a bold new roadmap to drive the industry towards a positive nature”.

It includes 13 science-based initiatives “aimed at promoting regeneration, reducing emissions and increasing productivity” with the intention of “supporting partners throughout the supply chain.”

This includes Carbon Insetting, described as an “innovative programme to create a wool insertion market, linking wool producers with global brands aiming to meet their emissions targets.”

In terms of methane reduction, there are nine R&D projects to reduce sheep emissions through the use of feed additives. Early results include a 19% reduction with Agolin and a 50% reduction with Asparagopsis (seaweed).

The programme’s Positive Nature Specification provides for the development of on-farm environmental metrics to enable brands and wool producers to make defensible claims.

And the Nature Positive Impact Program connects investors with leading institutions working on projects that reduce emissions, enhance biodiversity, promote climate resilience and enable circularity.

Finally, Woolmark Recycled is a new sub-brand that “highlights wool as the most recycled fiber in the industry.”

Woolmark, which has invested A$34 million in nature-positive programs over two years, highlighted that while wool represents 1% of the apparel market in terms of volume, it accounts for 8% of its value. And 90% of Australian wool bales are projected to be traceable by 2025, which is significant as Australia is the world’s largest wool producer in an international industry that employs 17.5 million people.