A system demonstrator for a circular and resilient wool industry
The Woolution project aims to bring about systemic change in the textile industry. A system demonstrator will be established in Sörforsa, outside Hudiksvall. There, the entire value chain for Swedish wool will demonstrate how a circular, scalable, and commercially viable wool industry can be built. By bringing together the entire value chain, from wool collection to finished product, a new circular structure will be created that strengthens Sweden's access to bio-based, traceable, and fossil-free materials. The facility will be the hub of a new circular system that will reduce dependence on imported and fossil-based fibers, strengthen security of supply, and give the industry access to bio-based, circular materials.
Why is this initiative necessary?
Sweden produces around 1,000 tons of wool per year, but more than half of it is discarded – while we import large quantities of raw wool. Today, the textile industry is dominated by fossil-based materials, which contributes to high climate emissions, microplastics, and a strong dependence on imports. Woolution is based on the need to strengthen Swedish preparedness and security of supply by developing a new domestic material infrastructure.
- The system demonstrator brings together the entire value chain, from the collection of sheep's wool to the finished product, and combines:
- AI-based quality assurance of wool, both in industrial environments and on farms
- Resource-efficient washing process with reduced water and energy consumption and extraction of lanolin
- Circular business models where both high- and low-quality wool are utilized in several industries
- Fossil-free logistics and regional collection hubs
The aim of the initiative
- Reduced climate impact and less microplastics by replacing fossil-based materials
- Increased resilience, self-sufficiency, and preparedness in textile materials
- Strengthened competitiveness for Swedish companies through traceable, high-quality materials
- Contributing to Net Zero 2040 and a more circular society
- New jobs in rural areas and increased profitability for wool producers
Related press releases
Jan. 26, 2026 The next step in establishing a wholly Swedish wool industry is now being taken
Funders
Facts
Project: Woolution – scalable solutions for a circular and resilient textile system
Project period:November 7, 2025, to November 6, 2028
Total budget:SEK 20,100,000
Funding:Net Zero Industry Impact Innovation, a joint innovation initiative by the Swedish Energy Agency, Formas, and Vinnova. The project is also funded with support from Region Dalarna and Region Gävleborg.
Project owner:Dalarna Science Park
Project partners: Swedish Textile, Holma-Helsinglands, Sörforsa Business Center, and Axfoundation
