In a country where more than half of Swedish wool is still wasted, a new story is emerging. It starts in Dalarna and the project The Swedish Wool Initiative, led by Axfoundation together with Dalarna Science Park.
In 2023, the first version of the Swedish Wool Standard was launched - a classification system that allows us to make the most of one of our most renewable natural resources: wool. Now, after practical testing and invaluable insights from sheep owners and brands alike, a new and improved version is here.
- We see a growing interest from companies in several different industries. Wool is increasingly seen as a circular and renewable raw material. This system will help us meet the needs of the industry, both today and tomorrow," says Lina Sofia Lundin, project manager at Dalarna Science Park.
In the fall of 2024, stakeholders from across the value chain gathered in Dalarna to jointly classify wool according to the standard. The result? Three tons of Swedish wool were collected - and sorted by hand by experts.
The classification that opens doors for more
The quality of the wool is assessed by trained wool classifiers and divided into different classes. In this way, smaller batches from small farms can still be matched to industry needs. This opens up for a more inclusive market, where small-scale actors can also contribute to the transition of the Swedish textile industry.
The classification makes it possible to take advantage of the wide variety of wool available in Sweden - and creates a more inclusive and sustainable textile market. It also reduces the need for imported wool, which is often produced under poorer conditions for both animals and the environment.
- "It means a lot to have a system like this in place - one step closer to being able to sell the wool as a sheep owner," says sheep owner Stina Olsson from Lima.
From farm to brand - a new path for Swedish wool
Swedish brands such as. Filippa K, Fjällräven, Tiger of Sweden and Klippan Yllefabrik are already committed. With the new standard, they will now be able to buy more Swedish wool - with the right quality, traceability and lower carbon footprint.
- This is a clear example of how innovation and collaboration can solve a concrete problem. The wool is there - but we have lacked structures to make use of it. Now that is starting to change," says Lina Sofia Lundin.
A sustainable future, fiber by fiber
Behind the Swedish Wool Standard is The Swedish Wool Initiative - a broad collaboration between actors from the entire value chain. The initiative brings together wool specialists, wool brokers, sheep shearers, sheep owners and the brands Filippa K, Fjällräven, Tiger of Sweden and Klippan Yllefabrik.
The Swedish Wool Standard is managed by the industry organization Arena Svensk Ull.
Want to read more or download the new version of the Swedish Wool Standard? It is available via: Revised Swedish Wool Standard - Arena Swedish Wool
More information on the work can be found here
SVT's report from Stiernhööksgymnasiet
SVT's interview with project manager Lina Sofia Lundin about the uses of wool
