Writing's on the wool
For generations, wool underpinned New Zealand’s rural economy. Today, strong wool struggles in traditional applications against cheaper synthetic materials. A Christchurch-based company is working to create fresh demand via new uses.
Wool Source is transforming strong wool into innovative, biobased pigments. “Wool Source’s patent-protected technology takes strong wool fibre and transforms it into microscopic, coloured particles that can be mixed into liquid or resin for applications like 3D printing, bioplastics, and screen-printing inks,” says Tom Hooper, Chief Executive of Wool Source.
The goal is ambitious but clear: give brands and manufacturers a high-performing, renewable, biobased alternative to synthetic and petrochemical-derived colour.
One recent collaboration is with Kathmandu, using Wool Source Pigments to print the design on a range of merino t-shirts.
“Wool Source Pigments let us replace traditional synthetic inks with a high‑performing, biobased alternative developed right here in Aotearoa. For us, it is a real example of how innovation and sustainability can elevate each other and how we can help unlock new value for New Zealand strong wool through our purpose‑led design,” Manu Rastogi, Head of Product Innovation & Product Sustainability at Kathmandu.
Wool Source also recently partnered with KiwiFil to produce WoolyFil, a world-first consumer-grade 3D printing filament coloured with wool. The recycled PLA filament uses Wool Source Pigments to create a unique stone-like textural effect and colours inspired by nature, dubbed “Green Marble” and “Riverstone”.
Wool Source isn’t just stopping at colour.It also offers particles and powders with applications ranging from personal care to construction. Both products have already achieved Cradle to Cradle Material Health Certification, recognising products designed for safe and circular supply chains.
The work builds on years of scientific research through the “New Uses for Strong Wool” programme led by the Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand and supported by scientists at Lincoln Agritech, wool growers, the wider wool supply chain, the MBIE, and MPI’s Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund.