The British Wool column Leading retailers set to celebrate Wool Week The largest ever retailer event to celebrate wool will happen this month (11-17th) with wool products hitting the high street in a major way. But already, leading retailers are feeling the impact of the Campaign for Wool and wool promotion following the support of some of the UK’s most widely read consumer magazines. London Fashion Week, held in September is often a telling indicator of future trends for interiors and there has been a noticeable increase on wool on the catwalks and fashion editors have been positioning it strongly. Harold Tilman of the British Fashion Council said: “The emphasis on eco and sustainability is penetrating fashion and wool has all the right credentials being both natural and luxurious.” “It is well known that fashion clearly influences interiors and whilst many retailers may not be feeling the impact yet, it is likely to filter in to the carpet stores in the coming months but we really hope that retailers get on-board now and take advantage of all this opportunity.” All the major carpet manufacturers, the Carpet Foundation and SMG buying group are supporting it. Retailers who want to know more about the Campaign for Wool or want a pack of POS for their store, should email marketing@britishwool.org.uk
British Wool go 100% Platinum with new logo British Wool has introduced a new logo this September at the Harrogate Flooring Show to highlight 100% British Wool in products and as a partner to their existing Shepherd’s Crook mark. The Platinum logo will be available to The new Platinum logo introduced by British Wool. manufacturers that are buying 100% British Wool through the British Wool Marketing Board’s (BWMB) Platinum Certificate, which traces the wool from the wool auction through the processing chain and is signed off at each stage as 100% British Wool. British Wool bought under this scheme qualifies for the BWMB’s environmental Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) accreditation IS0 14040. Ian Hartley, CEO of the British Wool Marketing Board said: “We have a growing number of manufacturers that want to produce 100% British Wool products and make use of the environmental information and data within our LCA.The trend for both British origin wool and eco-credibility is very strong and we wanted to offer them a visible marketing statement to support their products in store. “The new Platinum logo is simply an extension of our existing certification system that has been there for many years for the trade. We believe that many manufacturers now see this certification route as offering real marketing opportunity at consumer level particularly now that there is a growing emphasis on Green issues.” The new logo which will be available as a carpet label and a swing ticket will also be accompanied by a promotional leaflet which will define the 100% British Wool story for retailers and consumers. Further information is available from the British Wool marketing team on 01274 688666 or marketing@britishwool.org.uk
Support ‘Wool Week’ this October.
Ulster Carpets offers Natural Choice Natural shades are still attracting a huge amount of attention due to the growing interest in environmental matters. Certainly, many carpet manufacturers are looking at ways to address this but there is probably no better example than Natural Choice by Ulster Carpets which showcases how clever spinning, blending and stunning design can combine to produce something truly amazing without using dyes. Made from 100%, natural undyed wool, the Natural Choice collection comprises a variety of textured designs inspired by nature which can be matched by a range of plain carpets. The yarn is manufactured in Ulster’s own spinning mill in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. The Ulster Design team used a variety Chenille in Natural Fawn from Natural Choice of shades from by Ulster. British breeds and other wools to create this beautiful collection, which shows the innovative way that the many shades available in British Wool from British sheep breeds can combine to offer a luxurious and stylish product for the home. Composed from natural, renewable elements Natural Choice will be completely recyclable and biodegradable at the end of its life cycle and therefore have a minimal effect on the environment.