Organic Australian Merino wool jumpers will be available through UK retailer Marks & Spencer from next month.
Marks & Spencer is using organic Merino wool as part of its five-year, £200million 'Plan A' project. The plan is based around working with customers and suppliers to “combat climate change, reduce waste, safeguard natural resources, trade ethically and build a healthier nation.”
The Merino Company (TMC) is supplying Marks & Spencer with over 100 tonnes of 19.5 micron Australian greasy organic wool. The entire value chain will be organically certified with the help of Ciel Textiles, the second largest woolmark knitwear supplier in the world.
In a positive move for Australian woolgrowers, TMC is also providing Marks & Spencer with point-of-sale marketing collateral, showcasing organic farmers and their properties.
Woolgrower and former Australian Wool Corporation chairman Mac Drysdale can now follow his product from clip to shop window.
“I am really delighted with the system. Traceability is the key as it maintains credibility, and producers like me get a kick out of knowing exactly where our wool is going - and that may well mean right through to retail. We hope TMC can take the wool as far down the processing chain as possible,” Mr Drysdale said.
“To have my organic wool marketed directly to a retailer such as Marks & Spencer, with branding that could have an individual property name on the swing tag, is an unbelievable achievement and I applaud it.
“To achieve a more consistent premium, combined with the knowledge that TMC is as committed to maintaining the organic status of my wool, as I have been, is very satisfying,” Mr Drysdale said.