IWTO Congress – Connecting Farm and Fashion
Adelaide, 18 April 2024 – The 93rd IWTO Congress took place with 350+ delegates from around the world joining Australian woolgrowers, processors, spinners, designers, and retailers in Adelaide, South Australia.
In partnership with Wool Industries Australia, more than 350 members of the International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) welcomed speakers ‘from paddock to product’.
The event was opened on 16 April by Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia.
Following the welcome address, attendees heard opening remarks from IWTO President Klaus Steger, Wool Industries Australia President David Michell, and Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt (via video message).
A major highlight of the first day of the Congress was the announcement of a new integrity and sustainability programme, the Australian Wool Sustainability Scheme (AWSS), launched by AWEX.
Speaker Katyana Armen of AWEX described the AWSS as a new chapter for wool sustainability certification in Australia. The AWSS is a fit-for-purpose system that independently verifies sustainability practices across the entire wool supply chain, to meet market expectations.
“The Australian Wool Sustainability Scheme will showcase the responsible stewardship of our natural resources, the health and wellbeing of our sheep, the care we provide for people and communities, and the vitality and resilience of our industry,” said AWEX CEO Mark Grave.
“This programme critically addresses the needs of brands, providing credible verification of wool inputs, ensuring sustainability and quality, and offering a trusted traceability foundation.”
Innovations like this come at a crucial moment for the industry as environmental footprinting moves rapidly toward consumer-facing labelling. Transparency is no longer an option but a necessity, as Australian brand Sportscraft’s Alex Kidis noted.
With the support of scientific evidence and solid on-farm data, the wool industry aims to create a level playing field for all textiles in upcoming European textile legislation.
Participants heard from speakers up and down the supply chain. “This year’s Congress delves into the trends shaping consumer preferences. We explore how the wool industry can better cater to the growing demand for natural, high-performance, and fully traceable wool,” said Klaus Steger, IWTO President.
“The insights and connections fostered at the 93rd Congress will be instrumental in shaping the future direction of the global wool industry. We’ve gained valuable direction on emerging trends and consumer demands, which will guide the industry’s strategic efforts moving forward.” said IWTO Secretary General Dalena White.
Among the many international speakers were Lorenzo Bertelli of Prada Group, Jeremy Berres-Paul of Huckberry, Dion Lee of the eponymous brand, Richard Boide of Dormeuil, and Greg Smith of Bremworth.
Photo Caption: Woo –Industries Australia president David Michell with South Australian Governor Frances-Adamson at the IWTO Congress in Adelaide
Source: IWTO