Tirupur Garment manufacturers, 150-odd manufacturers, who attended the “Wool workshop” organized by The Woolmark Company at Velan Hotels in Tirupur last evening signaled their interest to explore the possibility of enlarging their market with the use of woollen yarn and wool-blended fabric in the manufacturing process.

The Woolmark Company in association with NIFT TEA demonstrated the opportunities and benefits of working with this premium fibre in the garment industry. Woolmark is leveraging its strength and commitment towards educating manufacturers about the benefits of Merino Wool .

ArtiGudal, Country Manager (India), The Woolmark Company said that use of wool in textile was a mere 2 percent, globally. India imports about 7 – 8 percent of Australian wool, whereas, the import of such wool by China is as high as 80 percent.

Highlighting the trans-seasonal benefits of Merino wool and dispelling the perception that woollen garments are heavy and more suited for colder climate, she said that this drive is in line with the Prime Minister's Make in India campaign as the wool is grown in Australia, but value-addition happens in India.

Sharing the global trends and new categories of products such as Athleisure, she said that the potential is enormous.

Raja Shanmugham, former Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry, Tirupur said that NIFT TEA will play a facilitating role in the use of wool by the garment industry.

Such blended garments will probably hit the market next year, if they start work right away. The industry will have to make some changes in process methodologies, but the capital investment may not be huge. Quite unable to commit on the quantum required towards capex investment at this juncture.

The Tirupur cluster would get into every product from yoga wear, cricket and casual wear to inners and more.

On wool availability, John Roberts, General Manager (Eastern Hemisphere), Australian Wool Innovation Limited said that around 35000 rearers off-load the fibre thrice a week, accounting for close to 1.8 million bales (each bale is 190 kg). Innovation and appetite for the wool is huge.

A handful of Tirupur manufacturers in traditionally cotton-based product-making hub have already forayed into wool. Many more are expected to follow with technical support from NIFT TEA.