Wool is less damaging for oceans

Wool could be part of the answer to the scourge of microplastics, the New Zealand Merino Company says.

A grouping of manufacturers spearheaded by the New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) will soon launch an international campaign highlighting the virtues of natural fibres.

A new report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) shows 35 per cent of minute plastic particles in the ocean are caused by washing synthetic clothing such as polar fleeces.

The Government has moved to ban microbeads, which make up just 2 per cent of the oceans’ plastic particles.

NZM chief executive John Brakenridge said the issue of synthetics and ocean pollution was akin to ‘‘the tobacco of our generation’’. ‘‘It’s only now we are waking up to what is happening. New Zealand should be leading on the question.’’

‘‘Every time you wash synthetic clothing, you release 1900 plastic particles into the environment – these particles will never break down, whereas natural fibres, once disposed of, will biodegrade within months,’’ Brakenridge said.

‘‘The Ellen Macarthur Foundation has predicted that in 30 years’ time there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

‘‘This is not a legacy that we want to leave for our children, we have an opportunity to provide natural solutions to solve this growing issue.’’

Brakenridge said New Zealand was well positioned to provide the world with sustainable fibre alternatives, such as wool, flax, hemp or lyocell (a form of rayon made from wood pulp).

NZM was investing in research and development to highlight the impact of microplastics on the environment and showcase the benefits of natural fibres.

Italian textile manufacturer Reda, whose chief executive Ercole Botto Poala has just visited New Zealand, said wool appealed to consumers who wanted more from their products.

‘‘The millennial consumer doesn’t just want to buy a product or a brand. They want to buy a story and an experience that respects their environmental philosophy. Honestly, I think today is one of the best moments [for wool].’’

NZ Merino chief executive John Brakenridge with a sample of merino fabric, bottom left, which has completely degraded after nine months’ burial, compared to synthetic, right, which has failed to break down at all.