New Collaboration Builds Value Chain for Nordic Wool

Today, more than half of the wool produced in Sweden, Finland, and Denmark is discarded. To increase the use of wool as a valuable raw material, The Nordic Wool Initiative is investing in strengthening a value chain for Nordic wool and wool-based products. The initiative will leverage best practices and knowledge exchange to enhance the production and utilization of Nordic wool by fostering collaboration between the Nordic countries. The Nordic Wool Initiative is funded by Nordic Innovation.

The initiative aims to have a positive impact on climate, biodiversity, and the economy across various sectors, including clothing, furniture, carpets, and insulation.

– Together, we want to develop a value chain – from regenerative farming and wool processing in the Nordic region to innovative wool-based products, says Johan Sidenmark, project manager for Future Materials at Axfoundation.

The Nordic Wool Initiative is an important step toward a sustainable textile industry, according to Rebecca Josefsson, textile engineer and founder of Swedish Textile AB.

– By using more Nordic wool, we can reduce the textile industry’s dependence on fossil-based raw materials or imported fibers from across the globe, while also promoting biodiversity and self-sufficiency by rebuilding local production, says Rebecca Josefsson.

As part of the initiative, partners will benefit from successful models such as Norway’s wool collection system and insights from previous initiatives in Sweden and Norway, according to Dina Bekkevold Lingås, senior consultant at Norion.

Knowledge-sharing and fostering innovation

The initiative will facilitate knowledge-sharing and collaboration among Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. By exchanging best practices and fostering innovation, the project aims to optimize the use of all types of Nordic wool and improve its value chain efficiency.

– Through the Nordic Wool Initiative, we have the opportunity to explore possibilities for collaboration and knowledge exchange between multiple Nordic companies. We hope this will lead to new business opportunities and a more sustainable textile industry, says Hanna Niskanen from Saimaa Wool.

Synthetic fibers are oil-based and linked to severe environmental issues. Microplastics are being released into nature, partly due to the massive amounts of textile waste composed of non-biodegradable materials that continue to accumulate in landfills worldwide. By shifting away from synthetic fibers and choosing wool instead, companies contribute to a more sustainable future for the textile industry.

– We want more companies to get involved and invite new stakeholders to join the project. By starting to use Nordic wool again, we honor our culture and traditions while also protecting the environment and strengthening local industries, says Johan Sidenmark at Axfoundation.

The Nordic Wool Initiative is a collaboration between multiple partners in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, including Norion Consult, Holma-Helsingland, Swedish Textile, Insutex, Danish Mode & Textile, Saimaa Wool, NF&TA, and SirkUll. The initiative brings the expertise needed to enhance the production and utilization of Nordic wool.

The initiative is one of many results from The Swedish Wool Initiative.