Finding new uses for Ulster wool…

The need to find innovative ways to use Ulster wool and drive demand for this incredible natural resource has never been greater, says Graham Clark, Director of Marketing for farmer-owned co-operative Ulster Wool.

“Product development and innovation are key to growing demand for Ulster wool so we have been working with a number of brands, mainly across the UK and Europe, to make this happen,” says Graham Clark who leads the Ulster Wool marketing team. “It’s vital that we don’t neglect our traditional volume markets including carpets, mattresses and clothing, however driving new demand over time will help deliver higher returns to our members.”

Recent projects include the use of Ulster wool in a diverse range of products such as rope, tennis balls, trainers and in-soles.

The wool rope developed by Sustainable Rope was joint winner of the Wool in Innovation Awards and is the first 100% certified Ulster wool rope ever launched. Renewaball, one of Europe’s largest sustainable tennis and paddle ball manufacturers, has collaborated with Ulster Wool to create the world’s first renewable balls which will help reduce the huge number of balls which end up in landfill or incineration.

“We are also working on some exciting projects with Bangor University developing new uses for wool that should come to fruition over the next 12 to 18 months.

“It is extremely exciting to see innovative new products come to market and we hope they will inspire others to use Ulster wool. Because of the variety of sheep breeds we have in Northern Ireland and Ulster Wool’s unique grading system we are able to work with brands to ensure they can use the ideal type of wool for their end application.

“We believe there is a Ulster wool type to suit any product development opportunities that come our way.”

Ulster Wool is open to all farmers across the Northern Ireland regardless of the quantity and type of wool produced. To find your nearest drop off point visit ulsterwool.com.