The Woolmark Company presents the latest fabric innovations in Merino wool at this year's ISPO trade show, the leading international platform for the sport business elite which started from 5-8 February in Munich, Germany. Merino wool apparel enjoying commercial success across the globe, Woolmark has placed a greater focus on outerwear, with an innovative woven fabric.

MerinoPerform WP made from 100% Australian Merino wool is designed to deliver a unique, high-performance machine-washable fabric, which is resistant to wind and rain. Using the latest fibre stretching technology, the wool is pre-stretched and spun into yarn before being woven into MerinoPerform WP. MerinoPerform WP represents a significant development in the sports and outdoor sector, creating a fabric ideal for outer-wear apparel. The fabric super-contracts during the dyeing and finishing process which creates a highly compact fabric with enhanced water and wind resistance.

According to Rob Langtry, The Woolmark Company Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, research and development have always been an integral part of The Woolmark Company's operations.

The Woolmark Company is working to spread the message that wool is also a fibre for warmer climates and indoor activity. In addition, lightweight knitted Merino wool fabrics for Spring/Summer and indoor use will also be on display.

Wool is a trans-seasonal, high-performance fibre and the natural choice for sports and outdoor wear. Merino wool apparel provides a high level of comfort, suitable for those seeking a sense of wellbeing in a broad range of leisure and sporting activities and wool’s natural properties such as moisture management and odour resistance make it a fibre of choice for athletes.

The Woolmark Company has introduced a new Woolmark Specification for wool-filled products in response to changing market trends. The specification will now allow manufacturers and garment makers to carry the Woolmark or Woolmark Blend logo on suitable qualifying products, with a range of stock tickets and labels available for garments.

Other significant developments and innovations from The Woolmark Company's MerinoPerform brand partners to be exhibited at ISPO include warp knits, merino wool blend wovens, laminated mid and outer-layer fabrics, merino wool denim, an ultrafine, 14 micron, merino wool fabric, and lightweight jersey for fitness.

Wool-filled apparel products are becoming increasingly important in the sports and outdoor markets – an area traditionally dominated by synthetics, feather and down products.