In a world-first, Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI) has developed a web portal that provides professional technical information on processing Australian wool for the global apparel textile and garment industry.
This is the world's first free interactive advisory service for wool processors using the most efficient means of communication via the internet. The information provides processors of Australian wool access to the information they require to improve efficiency, reduce processing risks and put innovations into commercial practice.

AWI is a research and development (R&D) organisation involved in the wool apparel and textile industry. It funds R&D projects addressing both wool production and processing. One aim of AWI's Textile Technology Program is to provide processors of Australian wool with access to research and technical information related to innovations and best practices that will improve their productivity and profitability and increase their use of Australian wool. This focus includes facilitating processors' access to software tools and education resources related to the processing of Australian wool.

A total of 275 leading wool textile companies in twelve of the world's major wool processing countries were approached to take part in the survey. The information has been used to guide AWI in its efforts to improve industry education, training arrangements and programs. Demonstrating the diversity of processing knowledge and competencies, the Woolmark company survey of wool textile companies in the world's major wool processing countries identified that the Western European wool processing firms classified themselves as "technically advanced", whilst there are a number of Chinese, Taiwanese and Indian processors who consider themselves as "evolving".

The wool on the web portal (www.woolontheweb.com.au) focuses on the processing of Australian wool from fibre to finished garments. Whilst many stages are covered in the portal, the emphasis of information provided is on early stage processing (scouring, top-making and spinning). The portal and technical sheets are also available in Mandarin (www.woolontheweb.com.cn).

The portal will encourage greater use of Australian wool by making it easier and more efficient for processors to use Australian wool. "As a wool processor and a contributor to the content of the site, I believe this portal will prove to be an invaluable resource for anyone in the wool processing pipeline. It will reduce processing risks".. and that positively affects the bottom line in all companies like ours," said Mr Tony Turk, General Manager, R&D Commercialisation, Michell Australia Pty Ltd.

Available to all existing and potential wool processors no matter where they are in the world any time of day or night, wool on the web covers all aspects of the processing pipeline that converts greasy wool into the final textile product, including wool selection, scouring/carbonising, worsted processing, woollen processing, fabric formation, wet processes and fabric issues. The site's content has been developed by experts in each of these fields and includes:
¡¡è Information sheets that offer technical advice to common problems;
¡¡è Links to key vendors of processing equipment and supplies;
¡¡è Information on how to purchase Australian wool; and
¡¡è A free limited technical support service to processors for a higher level of assistance.

Unique to wool on the web, the "Ask a question"service gives its users access to world leaders in wool processing. Under the direction of Dr Jock Christoe, our team of technical advisors is available to assist wool processors with specialist technical support to processors anywhere in the world. This global network has unrivalled expertise in wool processing and product development. Interactive features include:
¡¡è Find answers: we store all resolved problems in our solution data base;
¡¡è Ask a question: submit a question to our technical support team who will respond by email; and
¡¡è Personal profile: login to check the status of your questions or access restricted information and features.
No matter where wool processors are located in the world, high quality technical support is now just a click away.