Jangoulun Singsit
2 min read
The discussion titled 'Circular by Nature – Rethinking Innovation in Natural Fibres' was held at the London Climate Action Week. It centred on the tangible benefits of wool, supported by evidence-based land management practices, innovative product development, and circular design principles.
The panel, moderated by Amy Nguyen, featured participants including Clare Cannon, a Merino woolgrower from 'Woomargama Station' in Australia; Chris Gaffney, CEO of Johnsons of Elgin; Amy Powney, creative director and founder at AKYN; and Elisabeth van Delden, sustainability manager for Europe at Woolmark.
The panellists emphasised the need for increased cooperation across the sector and promoted regenerative wool as a beneficial solution for the environment.
Central to this conversation was the Woolmark+ roadmap, which outlines a strategy for incorporating wool into sustainable fashion models. This framework focuses on enhancing nature-positive production, establishing wool as a preferred circular fibre, and fostering prosperous rural communities.
Australian woolgrower Clare Cannon provided insights into the positive ecological effects of regenerative grazing on her farm, including the resurgence of endangered bird species and native vegetation.
“Our expertise isn’t theoretical; it’s grounded in day-to-day realities. We have implemented practical strategies for preserving biodiversity, improving soil health, and reducing emissions as we journey towards nature positive. These are not buzzwords for us but part of our innate identity as stewards of the land,” Cannon stated.
Gaffney discussed how continuous innovation is essential for maintaining the longevity of brands. “You don’t become a heritage brand without constantly innovating,” he said.
van Delden highlighted current global carbon accounting methods prioritise carbon emissions and neglect factors such as water management, biodiversity and soil health.
“Woolmark+ helps bridge the gap between real on-farm outcomes and the growing demand from brands and investors for measurable impact. Whether it's decarbonisation, biodiversity uplift, or material circularity - the roadmap offers a science-led, scalable way to integrate wool into strategies focused on risk reduction, resilience, and long-term value creation,” she said.
"Blue Earth Summit highlights regenerative wool’s climate potential" was originally created and published by Just Style, a GlobalData owned brand.
