Off-farm fibre specification of wool
From forecasting the processing performance of wool to the adoption of tests to verify the development of new technologies, AWI’s off-farm testing will deliver a further means to increase the quality of Australian wool.
Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI) is working to improve technologies underpinning current greasy wool trading and boost pipeline adoption of a wider range of wool fibre specifications.
For all stages of the wool pipeline, AWI is developing or progressing fibre measurement systems that:
- directly and more accurately predict wool's processing performance;
- reduce contracted quality delivery and processing risk; and
- reduce test costs using new technologies.
This research is aimed at:
- building demand for Australian wool;
- addressing competition from other fibres;
- reducing substitution of other fibres; and
- progressing the technology underpinning greasy wool trade.
Project activities
- Reduce the real and perceived wool and non-wool contamination of the Australian wool clip by introducing a vendor declaration scheme and a low cost pre-sale test. See Dark and medullated fibre contamination
- Identify and develop the fibre specifications required for optimal next-to-skin wearer comfort.
- Develop at least one alternative, lower cost test measurement for staple strength, POB and hauteur suitable for on-farm and pipeline use.
- Deliver a fibre specification extension program to change practices in the wool pipeline, starting with China.