John Lewis, Division Manager for Textile Testing at AWTA has been working with AWI on the VAM project. "The VAM project relies on the commitment of processors in the pipeline sharing specific information, and providing representative samples for testing. Declaration of the Australian Merino wool which they are using and samples are mandatory for this system to work," said Mr Lewis.
The testing process is to determine the micron of the wool in the samples; this can then verify the declarations from manufacturers, knitters, the wool processing companies, and all involved in the pipeline to create the garment in question. The VAM procedure is the only procedure that can come close to verifying the Merino content of a garment.
Dr Paul Swan, AWI Program Manager supply chain and wool quality, said AWI is working to ensure the VAM system continues to develop and strengthen, helping provide retailers and designers worldwide with the ability to guarantee they are using the world's finest quality wool.
"To this end, AWI is working with selected partners throughout the apparel industry to advise on quality testing, new manufacturers, new textiles, and the creation of swing tags for all garments that have been made using Australian Merino wool so as to educate the end consumer and increase the demand for high-quality verified Australian Merino wool garments," said Dr Swan.
Australian Wool Innovation Limited
marketing@alchempro.com
