Hong Kong knitters meet the Aussie Merino
A delegation from the global hub of wool garments is given a face-to-face look at the Australian Merino wool industry and its innovative new products
Ten representatives of the Hong Kong knitwear industry now have a greater knowledge of the Australian Merino, following an AWI-facilitated, Hong Kong government-funded study tour of the Australian wool industry by a delegation from the Hong Kong Productivity Council.
Considered the global hub for sourcing wool garments, Hong Kong exports more wool knitwear than any other country and is the gateway to the rest of China for many US brand retailers.
The delegation included the chief executive of Natalia Fashion Ltd, senior managers from Crystal Sweater Ltd, a designer from Tien-hu Knitters Ltd, directors from Timing Ind Co Ltd and Pine Hover Ltd and a manager from Fang Brothers Knitting Ltd.
The first stop for the delegates was a visit to AWI, where they learnt how AWI's business-to-business strategy to increase global demand for Australian Merino wool is based on providing companies with knowledge about Merino, innovation in developing exciting new products and marketing tools and solutions to help partners successfully launch and sell their products.
"The delegation was informed how AWI can provide business partners with knowledge of the fundamental properties of the Merino fibre," says Alex Lai, AWI's technical services and sourcing manager. "Technical knowledge, such as how to dye, spin and finish; where to source fibre, yarn, garments and knowledge of how to enhance wool's properties by making it easy-care, softer or flame-retardant.
"The Hong Kong knitters also heard how we can provide help in developing innovative new products that retailers like to sell and consumers want to buy. In addition, the delegates heard how we can also help retailers and brands to successfully communicate to the consumer through the development of product brand names, hang tags, point of sale display information and public relations."
During the week-long stay, the delegation was provided with an understanding and appreciation of the Australian wool pipeline during visits to the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX), the Riverina Wool Combing mill in Wagga Wagga, the Falkiner Memorial Field Station in Deniliquin, the Australian Wool Testing Authority's (AWTA) greasy testing, Melbourne Wool Auctions, CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology in Geelong and the International Fibre Centre at Deakin University.
"This tour was another example of how AWI makes itself available to smooth the progress of meetings between visitors from overseas textile manufacturers and the Australian Merino wool industry," Mr Lai says.
More information: Alex Lai, 02 9299 5155, alexlai@woolinnovation.com
Caption: Learning more about the latest wool fabric technology at an AWI-organised technology transfer workshop.
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