The International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) has a rich history dating back to 1924 when an arbitration agreement was signed between the British and French wool textile industries.
Soon after, Belgium, Italy, Germany, and Czechoslovakia joined the agreement, and annual Wool Conferences were held to discuss industry-related issues. In 1930, the French delegation proposed the creation of a permanent organization to coordinate national committees and represent their interests in international forums. Thus, the IWTO was launched.
Today, IWTO continues to play a vital role in promoting wool’s environmental credentials, sheep welfare, and ensuring a sustainable future for wool.
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The earliest evidence of wool use dates back to Mesopotamia in 7000 BCE.
A turning point: the Merino breed is developed in Spain, 700-1420 CE.
IWTO was born out of an arbitration agreement between the British and French wool textile industries in 1924.
After Germany, Italy, Belgium and Czechoslovakia joined the arbitration agreement, members called for the creation of a permanent organizing body.
In 1930, the Statutes of the International Wool Textile Organisation were approved at the International Wool Conference held in Bradford, England.
After World War II, the IWTO came to Brussels, sharing office space with the French organization Interlaine.
In 1997, IWTO establishes its Licensed Laboratory certification, requiring wool testing labs to meet ISO 17025.
Completing seven years of work, a team of researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and Norway published the first full wool life cycle assessment, analysing the life of a 300-gram wool sweater made from Australian wool, processed in China, and sold in the European Union.
From the ancient civilisations to medieval Europe, wool grew into a genuine industry.
The start of a new era: King Charles III of Spain allows exports of Merino sheep, 1783.
In 1925, the first IWTO conference was held.
In 1937, the International Wool Secretariat was created. The IWS was the forerunner of today’s Woolmark Company, and was tasked with promoting wool around the world, its members the world’s woolgrowers.
In 1964, the Woolmark logo is born.
In 2001, the IWTO Congress took place in China for the first time.
In 2021, the Make The Label Count campaign is launched, with IWTO’s Secretary General as co-spokesperson, advocating for improved environmental footprint methodologies for natural fibres.