Wool Month: Salts Mill event will review Campaign for Wool initiative supported by likes of Yorkshire manufacturer Abraham Moon and Sons

This year’s theme was Keep Warm With Wool and the events taking place throughout October highlighted wool’s warming, insulating and thermoregulating properties when worn and used around the home.

A review of the month’s activities is set to take place at Salts Mill in Saltaire today, hosted by Peter Ackroyd, chief operations officer of the campaign. Held in collaboration with Bradford Textile Society, the oldest of its kind in Britain, the networking event will see people come together to reflect on the events of the campaign, hear about various collaborative wool projects and talk about industry changes.

The 2023 campaign saw activity across more than 400 supporters, from sheep farmers and spinners, to dyers, wool innovators, manufacturers, designers, brands and retailers.

One event saw Leeds-based mill Abraham Moon and Sons collaborate with Worcester-based flooring brand Brockway. It aimed to highlight two family-owned British wool manufacturers, with the former presenting a premium range of throws in British Romney lambswool and celebrating its processing technology at its Guiseley factory.

Organisers say one of the main aims of Wool Month this year was to draw attention to some of the newest products, companies and innovations that can positively contribute to the future health of the planet and reduce the amount of man-made fibres going into landfill and the ocean.

Peter Ackroyd said: "We have all witnessed the stark and very visible effects of climate change over the last twelve months, affecting many businesses, communities, families and futures all across the world. The partnership between the earth’s inhabitants and nature has reached a critical point. The Campaign for Wool’s role in raising vital awareness, lobbying and advocating on behalf of this natural fibre and the amazing animals it comes from, has never been more important.

“From regenerative farming, safeguarding agricultural land, protecting rare breeds, and keeping special regional artisanal skills alive, sheep wool is something we should all be championing. One of nature’s true gifts, wool has a plethora of applications both in terms of what we wear, and how we furnish and insulate our homes.

"Increasingly new technologies are seeing innovative developments in everything from horticultural uses, packaging and acoustic products to marine aquaculture industry applications. Wool is one of the most natural fibres available to all of us and can take centre stage when it comes to the renewal of our eco systems."

The Campaign for Wool was launched in 2010 to champion the benefits of wool and help to support and grow the wool industry. It is run by a coalition of industry groups convened by His Majesty King Charles III, when he was Prince of Wales.