UK Brands Championing British wool in their Supply Chain

In an era of mass production and globalised supply chains. There is a growing appreciation for products that embrace tradition, sustainability, and localism.

In this article, we will explore the British wool supply chain and highlight some notable UK brands that are not only sourcing local wool but also championing traceability and transparency in their products.

The Legacy of British wool

For centuries, wool has been intertwined with the fabric of British history and culture. From the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales to the Scottish Highlands.

Sheep farming has been a way of life for many rural communities across the UK. British wool is renowned for its quality, durability, and versatility, making it a respected material for textiles and garments.

Local Supply Chain

The journey of British wool from farm to finished product is a testament to the dedication of manufacturers, who uphold the highest standards of craftsmanship. Starting on the farm, where sheep are raised with care and by the highest standard of farming practices in the world. Shearing, an annual process of removing the fleece from the sheep. And a traditional skilled task carried out by experienced shearers.

Once shorn, the fleece undergoes various processes such as grading, scouring, carding, and spinning to transform it into a yarn or wadding. Then onto textile manufacturers who weave, knit, or felt it into a wide range of products, from clothing and blankets to carpets and upholstery.

Championing Traceability and Transparency

In recent years, especially post pandemic, there has been a growing demand for transparency and traceability in many industries but hugely lead within the fashion and textile industry. As this sector faces damming criticism for its growing demand on the world’s resources and damage to our natural environment.

To meet this growing demand British Wool launched a fully traceable wool scheme that traces the origin of the wool from the farm gate to the shop floor. Our scheme allows consumers to understand where the wool in the products they are purchasing is from.

All from British farms

All wool handled by British Wool comes from British farms. We do not grade and sell wool from anywhere else so all wool can be traced to British farms,

Regional Traceability

We have eight Grading Depots across the UK. The wool can be traced back to a specific depot to give a regional traceability.

Individual Farms

Farm traceability from any of the 35,000 farms we receive wool from. Helping to connect our sheep farmers to the brands and consumers to give fully transparency to the production of British wool products.

UK Brands

Several UK brands have responded to this demand by placing a strong emphasis on sourcing local wool and ensuring full traceability throughout their supply chain. Which we have helped facilitate with our traceable wool scheme.

Floks

Floks bedding is one such brand that is leading the way in championing British wool. Luxurious bedding products made from 100% British wool, sourcing traceable wool from our depots, collected from farms across the Scottish borders.

Floks bedding takes pride in sourcing the finest materials for their products, including Cheviot wool.

Cheviot sheep, renowned for their hardiness and resilience in the rugged terrain of the Cheviot Hills. Known for its long, durable fibres and natural bounce, Cheviot wool adds a luxurious touch to Floks bedding, offering unparalleled comfort and warmth.

By incorporating Cheviot wool into their bedding range, Floks not only celebrates the unique qualities of this heritage breed but also supports local farmers in the Cheviot Hills region, ensuring the sustainability and integrity of their supply chain.

Plus, all product manufacturing is within West Yorkshire, from the scouring, combing, and finishing. With transparency at the core of their ethos, Floks provides customers with detailed information about the provenance of their wool, giving them confidence in the sustainability and ethics of their purchase.

Wooltrace by Laxtons

Laxtons is a renowned name in the wool industry, known for its expertise in spinning. Their Wooltrace yarn collection takes traceability to the next level by offering fully traceable yarn to both the public and wholesale.

One of these companies, is Floc Wool. Based in the quiet coastal town of Cardigan, South Wales. Founder, Andrew Taylor, created Floc Wool following a fascinating talk about regenerative farming and the dangers of fast fashion. And wanted to use wool in a way that could help UK farmers. And turn what has been a loss-making burden into something that can support their way of life.

Wooltrace is built on four fundamental principles that guide its operations and values:

Fair Price: By choosing Wooltrace yarn, you are ensuring fair compensation for farmers who work tirelessly to produce high-quality wool.
Traceable: Complete traceability is at the core of Wooltrace’s ethos. Through the innovative “Farm Finder” feature.
Kind: Wooltrace farmers prioritise animal welfare, adhering to the five freedoms of animal welfare.
British: Wooltrace takes pride in supporting the British farming industry by sourcing wool grown and spun in the UK.

Consumers can access the Farmfinder feature. To gain insights into the origin of their wool by simply entering the batch code of their product. This level of transparency not only builds trust with customers but also celebrates the heritage and craftsmanship behind each piece of wool.

Clapdale Wool by Glencroft

Glencroft, a family-owned company based in Yorkshire, is dedicated to promoting British wool.

They launched a new collection of fully traceable wool products in 2021, Clapdale Wool. With the help of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Sustainable Development Fund to create wool products. Sourced from within a 5 mile radius of Glencroft’s home of Clapham, Yorkshire Dales.

In 2022, they expanded the project to 7 local farms. Purchasing over 3 tonnes of wool, approx. 1500 fleeces. Their collection initially started with yarn but now, with more wool and different wool types. They have expanded to include a variety of knitwear, blankets, accessories, and tweed.

Glencroft has been based in Clapham for over 30 years and also now a second generation family business with son Edward Sexton. He went to the village primary school with many current local farmers. So it was an honour to reach out to them years later and connect further with the local community.

By highlighting the provenance of their wool, Glencroft celebrates the rich heritage of British sheep farming and supports their farming neighbours.

By supporting local farmers, promoting traceability, and championing transparency. UK brands like Floks, Wooltrace by Laxtons, and Glencroft are leading the way in preserving the heritage of British wool and ensuring a bright future for this timeless material.

As we become increasingly conscious of the origins of our products, these brands serve as beacons of authenticity and integrity in the textile industry.