Inside the Western Australian Wool Collective China Discovery Tour
Representatives from across the Western Australian wool industry recently travelled to China to gain a firsthand understanding of the journey Australian wool takes once it leaves the farm gate.
The tour brought together wool growers, brokers, exporters, private treaty representatives and government officials to follow the supply chain from raw wool through to the finished garments purchased by consumers. It also provided an opportunity to hear directly from Chinese mill owners about market conditions, demand and their outlook for the future of wool.
Key Takeaways
One of the strongest messages to come from the tour was the respect Chinese mill owners have for Western Australian and Australian wool. They consistently spoke about the quality, reliability and performance of our product.
Equally positive was the confidence expressed by growers on the tour, with many intending to maintain flock numbers and some considering expansion given the strength of both wool and meat markets.
From paddock to processing plant and ultimately to the retail shelf, this tour reinforced the vital role Western Australian wool plays in the global supply chain and the importance of maintaining strong relationships with the customers who continue to champion Australian wool.
From Wool to Top – Jinmeng Mill
Our first stop was Jinmeng Mill in Xiangshui, where delegates observed the early stages of wool processing.
The tour included the scouring process, where impurities and grease are removed from raw wool, followed by topmaking, which aligns the fibres into wool top ready for spinning.
We also had the opportunity to see the Superwash process in action. This treatment allows wool garments to be safely machine washed and tumble dried, offering consumers the convenience of easy-care wool without sacrificing its natural benefits.
Turning Fibre into Yarn
Next, the group visited Lugang Spinning Mill in Zhangjiagang, where wool top is transformed into yarn.
Seeing the precision and scale involved in this process highlighted the advanced technology and expertise required to produce the high-quality yarns used in premium wool garments around the world.
From Yarn to Garments
At the Shep Herd Garment Manufacturing Facility, delegates followed the next stage of the journey, watching wool fabrics being produced and garments carefully assembled.
The visit provided a fascinating insight into how Australian wool ultimately becomes the knitwear and clothing found in retail stores across the globe.
The group also received an update from Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) on the promotion and future opportunities for Australian wool.
Wool in the Marketplace
The tour continued to Tongxiang, where delegates visited the Lamborghini Weaving Company and Garment Manufacturing Facility, before exploring the famous Puyuan Markets.
Puyuan is one of China’s largest wholesale centres for woollen garments and knitwear, offering an incredible snapshot of consumer trends, product diversity and the demand for wool products in one of our most important export markets.
Investing in the Future
The final visit was to the Tongwei Facility, where delegates toured both the company’s original topmaking operation and its newer, highly automated processing plant.
The investment being made into modern technology and manufacturing efficiency was impressive and demonstrated the confidence these businesses have in wool’s future.