O o d h e a d p u b L i s h I n g L i m I t e d

11.7
The role for wool
Most of these developments can be utilised in conjunction with wool substrates
just as easily as any other fibre. Indeed value-adding in this sector is far
greater than with conventional products so the cost disadvantage of fine
wools is much less of an issue. The chemical versatility of wool creates an
endless variety of avenues for interaction with intelligent polymeric materials
that can add their own form of functionality, modify existing properties of
wool in some way or create new benefits that are quite unique.
Irrespective of the form of functionality added to the garment, it is the
textile substrate that is either in contact with the skin or seen from the
outside or both. Garment appearance and comfort will always be important
aspects of consumer appeal and wool has much to offer in creating that
appeal. With modern processing technology, wool can be made into cool,
lightweight fabrics suitable for active sportswear and offers significant benefits
that synthetics cannot match, particularly in the area of moisture management
and odour control. It can also be used in combination with other fibres to
© 2009 Woodhead Publishing Limited

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Wool performance apparel for sport
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produce synergistic products with benefits not possible from the individual
components.
As products such as Sportwool™ and the success of niche manufacturers
such as Smartwool™ and Icebreaker™ have shown, the right wool products
have a ready market. There is a strong consumer interest in things natural,
and high-performance products that meet all the technical requirements of
this market and retain a natural focus have great potential appeal.