Swedish wool innovation

In the latter half of the 20th century, much of the wool processing industry that supplied the Swedish market moved abroad. Instead, the focus of Swedish wool was directed towards being more closely associated with handicrafts. Despite this, around 1800 tons of wool are produced in Sweden every year, of which 1400 tons are burned, ploughed into the ground or deposited in the forest. At the same time, a significant proportion of all wool sold in the country is imported. One of the reasons is the lack of a functioning Swedish value chain that can bear the costs of wool processing. Swedish wool innovation combines newly developed technology with existing technology in a system project that will streamline the production of wool yarn and bring it closer to the consumer. Through recent technological developments in digitization and automation, a domestic value chain that is both cost-optimized and environmentally sustainable can thus be created.

Good environmental and social impacts

The reintroduction of a domestic wool value chain can be justified by good environmental and social effects. Swedish consumers' increased demand for locally produced sustainable materials can be met and fossil-based materials replaced. It stimulates Swedish economic growth with increased capital to domestic sheep farmers who in turn can invest in green technology. Wool is also a biodegradable material with both dirt-repellent and antibacterial properties that are ideal for clothing production.