Woolmark Unveils Woolmark+: A New Roadmap to Accelerate the Wool Industry Towards Nature Positive

What is Woolmark+?

Woolmark has introduced Woolmark+, an initiative designed to bring together woolgrowers, the supply chain, and brands with the goal of ensuring a sustainable future for the wool industry. This launch comes at a crucial time for the global fashion industry, which is under increasing pressure from both regulations and consumers to adopt more sustainable practices.

Woolmark+ aims to drive low-impact production, promote circularity, and improve both animal welfare and the livelihoods of woolgrowers. The plan outlines 13 practical initiatives that focus on regenerating nature, reducing carbon emissions, and optimizing productivity. This strategy not only supports woolgrowers in achieving their business goals but also aligns with brands’ growing commitment to reduce Scope 3 emissions and enhance supply chain sustainability.

Key Initiatives of Woolmark+

1. Insetting Program: This innovative initiative lays the groundwork for a wool insetting market, connecting woolgrowers with global brands seeking to meet their emission reduction targets through nature-based solutions on farms.
2. Methane Emissions Reduction in Livestock: This program includes nine research and development projects aimed at identifying strategies to reduce methane emissions from grazing sheep. Early findings show a 19% average methane reduction and a 27% productivity increase in sheep consuming Agolin, and a 50% reduction in methane emissions from sheep fed Asparagopsis.
3. Nature Positive Farming Specification: Developed with input from woolgrowers and industry partners, this specification offers credible metrics for measuring on-farm environmental performance, allowing brands to make substantiated claims. Based on ecological assessments of 130 wool farms, this project has identified key metrics for cost-effective performance verification. A pilot program is underway to operationalize these metrics.
4. Nature Positive Impact Program: This program connects investors with research, development, and conservation projects aimed at reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, promoting climate resilience, and fostering circularity.
5. Woolmark Recycled: A new “Recycled” sub-brand has been introduced within the Woolmark Certification program, encouraging the production of high-quality recycled wool products and strengthening wool’s position as the most recycled fiber in the apparel industry.