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A bold new initiative aimed at revitalising New Zealand’s struggling wool industry is underway following a $10.4 million research grant awarded to Lincoln Agritech. The five-year project, funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) through its Endeavour Fund, seeks to develop innovative wool-based products with high commercial potential, tapping into the unique properties of wool keratin to create a sustainable export sector.
Focus on New Products
The core of Lincoln Agritech’s research will focus on keratin, the protein that gives wool its distinct qualities – durability, moisture management, and pollutant absorption. Project leader Dr. Rob Kelly explained that the research aims to harness these properties to create new, high-value products that can compete on the global market. Kelly is looking to develop keratin biopolymer products that take advantage of wool’s reversible shape changes and controlled breakdown. “We aim to develop products for diverse market areas, such as products that control the release of microbes in soil, textile fibres superior to silk and associated garments, and ruminant boluses for controlling greenhouse gas emissions,” said Kelly.
The project builds on Lincoln Agritech’s growing reputation for wool science innovation, developed in collaboration with the Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand (WRONZ) over the past decade. WRONZ has been working to establish new uses for New Zealand’s crossbred wool, a product that has seen declining prices and demand in recent years.
Collaboration and Support
Lincoln Agritech has enlisted the help of world-class research partners, including Harvard University, the University of Auckland, and AgResearch. This collaboration will drive cutting-edge research and bring fresh expertise to solving the technical challenges of transforming wool into a viable material for advanced manufacturing. WRONZ has played a pivotal role in supporting the research and commercialising earlier innovations through its subsidiary Wool Source.
WRONZ Chairman Andy Fox emphasised the long-term vision of the project, noting that it adds new products to the pipeline of innovations being developed to rejuvenate the wool industry. “Developing new, innovative uses for New Zealand crossbred wool through rigorous research programmes with commercial applications is consistent with WRONZ’s strategy to support growers,” said Fox.
A Sustainable Future for Wool
The Wool Source subsidiary has already commercialised several wool-based products, such as Wool Source Particles, Powders, and Pigments, which are being marketed to the cosmetics, textile, and printing industries. These products capitalise on wool’s natural performance benefits, including its ability to absorb moisture and bind colours effectively. In 2022, New Zealand lipstick brand Karen Murrell launched a lipstick made with Wool Source pigments, demonstrating the potential for wool to disrupt markets beyond traditional applications like carpets.
The new $10.4 million grant will enable Lincoln Agritech to scale these innovations further. A pilot-scale manufacturing facility established at Lincoln University is already producing sample products for testing by international companies. Lincoln Agritech reported, “The products offer sustainable, innovative solutions to the increasing performance and environmental demands these sectors are experiencing and have received a strong positive response nationally and internationally.”
A Path to Global Markets
Lincoln Agritech’s research is not just about revitalising the domestic wool industry but hopes to position New Zealand as a leader in wool-based manufacturing. By 2040, the project is expected to contribute more than $200 million annually in wool-based export revenue, according to the institute’s projections. The initiative shows a significant shift away from traditional wool uses toward high-tech, eco-friendly solutions that align with global demand for sustainable products.
The global market is increasingly moving toward natural materials that “perform as well or better than synthetics.” This project aims to answer that demand and create new export opportunities for New Zealand’s wool industry.
As synthetic materials face growing scrutiny due to their environmental impact, wool’s biodegradability and renewable nature offer a compelling alternative. The products emerging from this project are not just environmentally friendly but are also designed to perform at a high level in sectors with stringent performance and sustainability requirements, such as cosmetics, textiles, and agriculture.
A Lifeline for Farmers
For New Zealand’s wool farmers, the success of this initiative could be a turning point. The decline in demand for strong crossbred wool has hit farmers hard, as synthetic materials have largely replaced wool throughout the market. Lincoln Agritech’s research into innovative applications is offering a lifeline by opening up new markets that could increase demand for wool once again.
Conclusion
Lincoln Agritech’s $10.4 million research initiative marks a major step in the revitalization of New Zealand’s wool industry. By leveraging cutting-edge research and international collaboration, the project aims to create new wool-based products that meet the growing global demand for sustainable materials. If successful, this initiative could boost our wool sector and position New Zealand as a leader in the development of eco-friendly, high-performance materials.