WOOL THAT CAN BE WASHED REPEATEDLY WITHOUT SHRINKING OR LOSING ITS SHAPE IS BEING TEST MARKETED BY A MAJOR UK RETAILER. LISA ARCANGELI REPORTS ON THE LAUNCH OF A KIND OF FIBRE.
Wool that can be machine washed without damage is a reality. Huddersfield-based Parkland Manufacturing spent three decades researching the process.
During the last three years, the company teamed up with technologists from Peterlee-based garment manufacturer Clairmont and major retailer Marks & Spencer to perfect the polymerisation treatment which allows woollen garments to withstand up to 25 water washes and still retain their feel and shape. The chemical applied to the fibres is said to also stop garments shrinking even in a tumble dryer, but only adds 10% to the purchase price.
Parkland’s secret formula coats the woven wool with a water-based chemical at the factory stage, before it is dyed or cut.
The process is said to give the wool a mild resin coat that changes the molecular structure of the yarn.
“Even pleated skirts can be washed on a normal 40°C cycle, then put in the dryer and given a light ironing,” said Parkland’s marketing director Malcolm Campbell.
The International Wool Secretariat has hailed the invention as “one of the best things to happen to the garment industry”.
The technology, it said, will allow a greater number of people who might have been put off by the price of having their garments drycleaned to wear more wool.
Marks & Spencer has signed an exclusive deal with the manufacturers and is testing customer reaction to the Smartwash Easycare wool items. Trousers and skirts in a variety of colours will retail at between £40 to £50.
