The Woolmark Company and Sportscraft have partnered to create a collection of Merino wool garments, with a focus on highlighting traceability.
As one of The Woolmark Company’s oldest licensees, Sportscraft’s latest traceable collection emphasises the origin of the fibre and its journey to final product.
Consumers can learn the story behind the garment, from woolgrower to wardrobe.
Included in this are Australian wool producers such as ‘Westside’, a wool-growing property located in the Adelong district of New South Wales.
Run with minimal environmental impact by Michael and Margaret Reynolds for more than 40 years, 'Westside' is a family farm that includes a mix of permanent creeks and native bushland.
Westside has been fine-tuning its wool production with great consideration of sustainable farming systems, which is evident in their wool.
The Woolmark Company MD John Roberts said the traceable collection sets a new tone for locally sourced fibres.
"Connecting 60,000 Australian woolgrowers with commercial Woolmark licensees like Sportscraft through traceability is great example of not only showcasing the sustainable characteristics of Australian wool but also validating them.
“It’s front and centre for us to encourage traceability and do our part for a sustainable future.
"We’re thrilled Sportscraft continues to see the beauty and versatility of our iconic home-grown fibre, as well as the importance of championing the tens of thousands of men and women who work tirelessly to produce it.”
The 70-piece collection includes Woolmark-certified jumpers, trousers, coats, blazers and cardigans in a palette ranging from forest green and slate blue through to old gold and raw indigo.
APG & Co CEO Elisha Hopkinson praised the historic partnership behind the range.
“We’re proud to have been the first Australian brand to sign on with The Woolmark Company in 1964 to provide quality knitwear.
“In celebration of this long-standing partnership, our new collection tells the story of local farmers and the expert craftsmanship behind each product.
"We care about the provenance of our wool and the people who create it.
"As part of our broader commitment to improving the transparency of our supply chain, the journey behind Sportscraft’s premium Merino wool is fully traceable, from land to garment.”