Strengthening its commitment to educate an increasing number of manufacturers on the benefits of Merino Wool, The Woolmark Company, in association with NIFT TEA institute, recently held an interactive workshop in Tiruppur, the knit city of India. This workshop was the first of its kind, with industry experts educating those in attendance on wool and demonstrating opportunities and benefits arising out of working with the premium fibre in the garment industry.
Known as the textile hub of the country, Tiruppur has largely been functioning as a prominent cotton hub, with only a handful of manufacturers who understand the benefits of working with wool. The workshop aimed to expand the current manufacturing market in the south India by introducing Australian Merino wool.
Forum highlights included dedicated sessions on Merino wool – its versatile qualities, knowledge sharing around global trends in wool and practical exposure to the technical know-how such as the re-engineering of wool products, dyeing and finishing process for knitted garments. Potential challenges and how to overcome them were also discussed.
The business session addressed queries from the manufacturers as they absorbed information while connecting them to key suppliers such as Jayashree. This was significant as it paved the way for woollen wear and Merino wool base-layers in newer categories such as Athleisure.
“This workshop is a stepping stone towards tapping manufacturers in the South,” The Woolmark Company Country Manager, India, Arti Gudal, said. “In our past endeavours we have established a base working extensively in wool, but through these educational platforms we are trying to encourage a change in perception towards wool. The market lacks knowledge about the fibre and we hope to impart knowledge about the trans-seasonal benefits of Merino wool, making it the fibre of choice for warmer environments. Through connecting our suppliers we are paving the way for future lucrative collaborations.”
Manager Aditya Birla Nuvo commented: “We are delighted to be associated with The Woolmark Company for this platform. As a supplier, we are making inroads in a new market. Each market poses fresh challenges, and for the South the learning is of an innovative fibre and how it will enhance their growth opportunity. These mechanisms will aid in acceptance and endorsements of the fibre”.
Chairman, NIFT TEA, remarked: “Trained professionals from NIFT TEA with their expertise and technical skill are becoming the backbone of the export industry, and with forums such as these the students will adopt local and international methods providing dynamic insights to existing fashion trends and innovative product developments”.
In recent years the worldwide trend is towards more casual attire, both formal and informal. In response to this growing trend, The Woolmark Company has worked closely with wool manufacturers to develop new processes which can provide casual effects for wool and through forthcoming workshops aim to make Merino wool an essential fibre for weavers from the South.