INFLUENTIAL players in the global wool industry descended on Sydney for the 85th International Wool Conference which attracted a record 422 attendees from 28 countries.
The IWTO Congress is the annual wool industry meeting, which connects woolgrowers, spinners, weavers, garment manufacturers, designers and retailers - with this year’s theme discussing the role of wool for future generations.
A video message from HRH Prince of Wales acknowledged Sydney as the birthplace of Australian wool and a deserving host of this year’s event.
Day one of the congress explored global consumer trends, market intelligence, livestock welfare practices and wool’s environment footprint.
“Since the global financial crisis, an environmental appreciation of what one buys has become more and more important – and this will continue,” IWTO president Peter Ackroyd said.
“Sustainability and all the problems around it, and definitions of it, are here to stay.”
Mr Ackroyd used his opening remarks to call on vigilance within the industry to counter the growing threat posed by animal activists.
“We come from countries that care passionate for their animals,” he said.
“They say in the UK an animal is taken care of better than a public school boy.”
During an open forum, an audience member questioned whether sheep, which were mulesed prior to shearing, were a risk factor to the value of wool.
PCI Fibres senior analyst Bruna Angel compared the mulesing issue within the wool growing industry to the threat of microplastics which had impacted demand for polyester products.
“You need to ensure your fibre is presented to the consumer, truthfully, realistically but in the best light as possible so when something comes up about the industry that is difficult, it needs to be addressed,” Ms Angel said.
“It is a subject that is not going to be let go.”
During the opening, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop applauded technological advancements within the wool industry while spruiking the Federal Government’s $1.1 billion innovation program, announced last year.
“The latest technology is being used to diversify the use of wool – making it more versatile and a more attractive resource,” Ms Bishop said.
“Our Australian wool industry is leading a global wool renaissance, indeed a revolution.
“We are harnessing the versatility of our wool to respond to the constantly evolving demands and trends in the fashion and consumer world.”
Annabelle Beale
National Sheep & Wool Writer for Fairfax Agricultural Media
National Sheep & Wool Writer for Fairfax Agricultural Media
