The Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) has unveiled its Woolmark+ roadmap, a comprehensive plan designed to unite wool industry stakeholders and accelerate environmental sustainability.
Woolmark+ addresses increasing demands from consumers and regulators for low-impact products within the fashion and textile sectors. It covers 13 wool growing initiatives aimed at enhancing climate resilience, reducing carbon emissions, and fostering biodiversity.
By connecting this wide range of initiatives, AWI seeks to shift the current focus from carbon and net zero targets toward nature positivity.
Viewed from a nature positive perspective, wool is not simply a fibre “from nature”, but a fibre for nature, driving positive environmental outcomes today and into the future.
Woolmark+ Roadmap: A Pathway to a Sustainable and Thriving Wool Industry
At its core, the Woolmark+ roadmap focuses on supporting the livelihoods of woolgrowers in their role as stewards of nature. Woolgrowers have invested in environmental sustainability. The Woolmark+ roadmap will enable brands to better understand, value and support woolgrowers’ nature positive practices – and thereby better understand and value wool.
AWI CEO John Roberts says the broad range of initiatives within the Woolmark+ roadmap focus on turning industry investment in environmental sustainability into tangible returns for woolgrowers.
“By connecting sustainability goals along the supply chain and providing scalable opportunities, we are seeking to drive forward a thriving, responsible and nature positive wool industry,” Roberts says.
“Through Woolmark+, we are forging a sustainable path that benefits all stakeholders and secures a prosperous future for Australian woolgrowers.”
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Exploring the Woolmark+ Roadmap
The roadmap highlights three key focus areas with 13 initiatives. Three initiatives are under development, seeking stakeholder feedback. Ten existing initiatives demonstrate the wool industry’s long-standing commitment to sustainability:
- Accelerating Nature Positive Production: This includes initiatives like insetting programmes and research on methane emissions reduction.
- Delivering Natural and Circular Fibre Solutions: Ensuring wool quality and promoting recycled wool content are key components.
- Enhancing Social Impact: Transparency in production, eco-friendly pest management, and improved sheep welfare are central aspects.
Collaboration for a Brighter Future
The Woolmark+ roadmap is the product of extensive consultations with over 50 stakeholders across the wool supply chain. This collaborative approach underlines the industry’s commitment to:
- Natural capital protection
- Sheep health and welfare
- Sustainable livelihoods
- Climate action
- Responsible value chains
- Circular economy principles
AWI believes that with strategic initiatives and investments, Australian woolgrowers and the wider industry can capitalize on these opportunities for a brighter future.
For more information and to download the Woolmark+ roadmap, visit www.woolmark.com/woolmarkplus