• Optim (the first fundamental alteration to the wool fibre in processing history – results in longer, finer fibres for lighter, cool to touch, lustrous yarns): 6 machines, 1.2million kg of wool being processed in the past year;
• Stretchbreak (rectifies the length of fibres within a sliver, giving the ability to blend resulting fibres with shorter staple fibres): 2 machines in operation; and
• Loose Stock Shrink Resist (processing of loose wool stock as opposed to wool top):
“ANDAR's flagship early stage processing technology has traditionally been the low entanglement scour,” explains James Irvine. “But, as we have seen demand for scouring equipment decrease, we've looked to strategic diversification. What this means for wool is ways of making the final product more attractive to the modern consumer. We are continuing to examine processing techniques which will provide features such as the feel and handle of cashmere, wear like cotton and the colours of silk.”
“This does not happen as it comes off the sheep. But, there are technologies that give wool many of these properties and it is ANDAR's job to work with our industry partners around the world to investigate and develop these techniques, ensuring that Australian wool has a strong profile in the global textile industry.”
Australian Wool Services Limited
marketing@alchempro.com
