The Government has marked a significant commercial milestone, with New Zealand’s strong wool sector securing its first export order for innovative wool particle technology.
The Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand’s (WRONZ) commercial development company Wool Source has secured its first commercial export order for its innovative wool particle products.
Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson described this as “the Holy Grail” for the sector.
“Wool Source has signed a deal with a Japanese company operating in the personal care market for 8 tonnes of its unique wool particle products,” said Patterson.
“This sale marks a milestone in the Government’s ongoing investment to find innovative new uses for New Zealand’s strong wool, something we’ve long considered will boost returns to sheep farmers.”
Patterson congratulated WRONZ and Wool Source during a visit to their Christchurch facility. He added that this export shipment is the direct result of significant investment by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to help drive the development of new high-value wool products.
“MPI co-funded an NZD 8.72 million four-and-a-half-year programme, which concludes this month, with WRONZ to find new uses for strong wool. MPI has contributed NZD 3.48 million."
This was focused on taking new high-value products from lab-scale to pilot-scale production and engaging with potential markets and customers, and also included powders and pigments to be used for cosmetics, paints, and inks.
“This contract is a taste of the opportunities that exist as we reimagine an exciting future for the New Zealand wool sector and boost farm-gate returns for the country’s sheep farmers," he added.
“We are leading by example. We’ve directed agencies to use woollen products in their buildings where appropriate, and from July 2025, Kāinga Ora has transitioned to using wool carpets in the fit-out of new state houses.”
Wool exports were worth NZD 555 million in the year to June 2025.
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