2023 marks a diamond anniversary for Woolmark, the renowned symbol of quality wool products. To celebrate this milestone, Woolmark isn’t just reminiscing – it’s innovating for a more sustainable future. The introduction of their new Recycled Wool sub-brand marks a significant step towards a circular textile industry, giving new life to this versatile natural fibre.
Six Decades of Woolmark Certification: A Hallmark of Quality
For six decades, the Woolmark logo has graced over five billion wool and wool care products. It’s become synonymous with excellence and authenticity, a trusted guide for consumers seeking premium woollen garments and textiles. Managed by The Woolmark Company, the Woolmark Certification Programme sets the gold standard for wool quality, ensuring products meet stringent criteria.
Pioneering Sustainability: Woolmark Introduces Recycled Wool
But Woolmark isn’t resting on its laurels. The launch of the Recycled Wool sub-brand, tied to the new RW-1 Specification, signifies a major commitment to sustainability. “Wool is already the most recycled apparel fibre globally,” explains John Roberts, Managing Director of The Woolmark Company. “This new initiative supports the critical shift from linear to circular production models, minimising waste and pollution in the textile industry.”
The RW-1 Specification ensures products boast at least 20% recycled wool content, while still adhering to the rigorous quality standards expected from Woolmark. This aligns perfectly with growing regulatory pressures within the industry to embrace more sustainable practices. Recycled wool can come from both pre-consumer sources, like fabric scraps, and post-consumer sources, such as used garments. These sources must be certified by established standards like the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and Recycled Claim Standard (RCS).
The Circular Wool Advantage: Minimising Waste, Maximising Resource Efficiency
The introduction of the Recycled Wool sub-brand underscores Woolmark’s dedication to fostering a circular textile industry. By promoting the development of long-lasting, high-quality products made with recycled wool fibres, Woolmark is at the forefront of solutions that minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency. “Wool makes up just 1% of the global apparel fibre market,” says John Roberts. “Creating a dedicated sub-brand to encourage the reuse and repurposing of this remarkable fibre will propel its use into new categories and ensure it stays in circulation for longer.”
The Woolmark Certification Programme: Your Guide to Quality Wool Products
The Woolmark Certification Programme encompasses a wide range of products, including clothing, fabrics, yarns, and even home care products. The programme utilises three main logos: Woolmark (indicating 100% pure new wool), Woolmark Blend (for products containing 50% to 99.9% new wool), and Wool Blend (for products with 30% to 49.9% new wool).
To learn more about the Woolmark Certification Programme and find out how to become a Woolmark licensee, visit their website at www.woolmark.com/certification.
This 60th anniversary isn’t just a celebration of the past for Woolmark. It’s a springboard for a future focused on sustainability and innovation, ensuring that wool remains a prized and environmentally responsible fibre for generations to come.
Learn All You Need to Know About the International Wool Industry
For more information on the wool industry around the world, take a look at our fact sheets, statistics and guidelines.
Now Read: IWTO Wool Round Table in Istanbul, 27-29 November!