Hopes new Australian fabric will revitalise domestic clothing manufacturing
2 days ago
- #textile innovation
- #Australian manufacturing
- #sustainable fashion
- An all-Australian team developed a fabric blending premium cotton with low-value wool, using less water and energy.
- The project, Mud to Marle, aims to revitalize domestic clothing manufacturing by creating sustainable fabrics entirely in Australia.
- The fabric combines wool and cotton, reducing environmental impact by dyeing only 30% of the fibers, saving energy and chemicals.
- The wool used is shorter than traditional wool, allowing it to be spun in a cotton spinning system.
- The team faced challenges in dyeing wool and cotton together due to their different fiber properties.
- The resulting fabric is used in hoodies, dresses, T-shirts, and denim, offering stretch, warmth, and breathability.
- Currently, spinning is the only stage not done in Australia, with other processes like wool scouring and garment manufacturing still operational domestically.
- The Australian Fashion Council is developing a national manufacturing strategy to support the textile industry's revival.