In a pilot during the fall, about 3 tons of wool has been collected from about 30 sheep farms around the county. The wool was then classified and assessed to make it easier to match it with the right buyer and purpose. For a couple of days in November, experts from Sweden and Norway gathered at Stiernhööksgymnasiet in Rättvik to carry out classification and exchange experiences.
The wool can beused for everything from construction to interior design
Swedish sheep farmers produce about 1000 tons of wool annually, most of which becomes waste. At the same time, Sweden imports about 1700 tons of wool per year. Due to a lack of market opportunities, Swedish wool is currently seen as a by-product of the meat industry, which leads to a waste of resources. At the same time, global demand for textile fibers is expected to increase by 150% by 2050, which is an environmental challenge as the majority of today's textiles consist of environmentally harmful synthetic fibers and cotton.
Society therefore needs solutions that can enable a transition to a circular and sustainable textile industry. Swedish wool is a promising raw material that can provide Swedish industry with a regionally produced, bio-based and recyclable material. The collected wool can be used for products in construction, furniture, fashion, outdoor and home decoration.
Swedish Wool Initiative in Dalarna to pave the way for large-scale wool production
The wool collection pilot is part of the Swedish Wool Initiative project, led by Axfoundation together with Dalarna Science Park, and aims to scale up the use of Swedish wool.
- What we are looking at are models for collection and classification that can be scaled up in more regions, but it is also about securing a good raw material so that all wool can be used to its highest value, says Lina Sofia Lundin, project manager, Dalarna Science Park.
The project involves partners along the entire value chain: Arena Svensk Ull, CTH Ericson of Sweden, Filippa K, Houdini Sportswear, Dalarna University, Insjöns väveri, Dalarnas Fåravels-förening, Röyk, Science Park Borås, Sätergläntan, Tiger of Sweden, Ullkontoret, VERK, Väveriet i Bollnäs, Wool Rebel, Wålstedts ullspinneri and Åddebo Ull.
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
