Supply chain links in China
Links in the global wool supply chain were further strengthened when AWI hosted a technology transfer seminar in Hong Kong to introduce knitters to lightweight, soft-handle wool/PVA-blend fabrics, quick-dry fabrics and colour clear/super white Merino products.
Following on from an earlier Merino knitwear workshop for Hong Kong-based knitters to lift the profile of Merino wool, AWI felt more specific information on the processing technology would improve uptake of new fibre developments.
Timothy Iu, AWI's director of product marketing in Hong Kong, says that to many people in the knitwear industry, Merino wool has always been highly respected but its profile has not been raised for some time.
"While there is still interest, it has been a good time to bring it back to the market and introduce innovations in Merino fibre while building a deeper relationship between AWI and the industry," he says.
"After the basic introduction at the knitwear workshop last September, people wanted to learn more and understand how the technology fits their needs. The feedback we received was that the workshop was ideal for them to gain this understanding."
After the seminar in Hong Kong, a demonstration was held at three mills in China's Guangdong province. At the mills – the Hwada Woollen Group, Fung Fat Knitting Mfy Ltd and the Sandex mill – textile industry specialists joined with AWI and CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology representatives to follow the process of creating wool/PVA-blend fabrics, quick-dry garment and color clear fibre. CSIRO Textiles has been trialling the technology for AWI.
Mr Iu says to ensure that the technology is fully utilised, the education of designers and garment manufacturers is critical: "Benefits need to be demonstrated so demand is generated. The implementation of technology requires close cooperation between spinners, knitters and garment manufacturers, who can develop products which fully utilise it."
In mid-December, 100 industry representatives were introduced to the technology at a larger-scale follow-up event in Guangdong province.
More information: Timothy Iu, timothyiu@woolinnovation.com
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