Lets Talk About Wool

On Tuesday 7th May I was invited to participate in a discussion during London Craft Week at The Mills Fabrica with The Woolmark Company and THE CAMPAIGN FOR WOOL LTD. A truly insightful conversation in regard to the current position of wool within the fashion industry and the future gains that are needed to create more traction for a bigger impact in the future. The panelists were diverse in their specialisms and approaches but all united with knowledge and passion to find better ways forward for the textile industry.

Here are my takeaways:

- Currently, there's a significant investment in sustainable startups and research platforms, but commercial uptake remains limited. Why? 🌱

- Corporate responsibility is crucial in promoting sustainable applications and materials within their own companies, not just to customers. To drive more brands to adopt sustainable practices. 🗯

- The cost of novel sustainable fibres and materials is higher than traditional textiles due to new manufacturing processes and quantities produced. How can we communicate to consumers why this price point exists and the necessary steps before new materials can match traditional prices? 💰

- Is it time to rethink hiring practices? With the evolving field of sustainable materials, are new or hybrid roles needed to support the transition to a more planet-centered design approach in the industry? 🌅

A great quote from Rebecca Kelley  from The Woolmark Company  ‘One thing is clear we are not short on innovation or the people needed for change, as the saying goes we don’t rise to the level of our goals we fall to the level of our systems.’

I look forward to more discussion in the future from the platforms, with the ultimate aim to create genuine traction within the change that needs to take place across all things material related.