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, with Maurice Dubrulle as its first President. Today, IWTO continues to play a vital role in promoting wool sustainability and sheep welfare.
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In 1797, the first Merino sheep arrived in Australia.
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 1998, CWTA, the China Wool Textile Association joins IWTO.
Benetton joins in 2016, becoming the first commercial retailer to join IWTO as a member.
IWTO was born out of an arbitration agreement between the British and French wool textile industries in 1924.
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, Shanghai hosted the IWTO conference for the first time.