Woolmark launches sustainability online course for textile industry

Developed by industry experts, the self-paced sustainability and wool course is designed for designers, brands, manufacturers, tertiary students and tutors to support the industry’s move towards less impactful product and business models with wool. With a focus on the wool fibre and wool industry, the course provides learners with the theory and practical examples of circular design, regenerative agriculture and manufacturing processes with reduced environmental impacts within the wool supply chain.

“This course explores the key issues and questions relating to sustainable development, legislation, collaborative global goals, and ways to measure and manage our impacts on people and planet,” said Livia Firth, co-founder and creative director of Eco-Age. “As a global community we have the opportunity to change how we operate, to responsibly work within the planet’s boundaries, and to respect and protect the people throughout global supply chains.”

Throughout the course learners will explore opportunities and solutions for creating products with a more positive legacy, and how designers and businesses can support consumers to reduce their environmental and social impacts. Industry leaders including Livia Firth, Clare Press, Charles Ross, Leanne Kemp, Dr Stephen Wiedemann and Dr Charles Massy provide exclusive insights into the challenges and opportunities of sustainability in the textile and fashion industry throughout the course, the company said in a press release.

“With 80 per cent of the overall impact of a garment defined by the design stage, this course will equip designers and brands with access to information about how they can use wool to meet sustainable development targets and align to sustainability commitments,” said The Woolmark Company’s general manager for processing innovation & education extension, Julie Davies.

By completing this course, learners will gain an understanding of sustainability grounded in science and be introduced to the knowledge and tools that will help build resilient businesses during this dynamic, complex time. Once learners complete the course, they will be awarded an independent certification from Credly to include on their digital CVs.

The Woolmark Learning Centre is a web-based hub that houses free world-class educational resources about wool for learners at all levels, including those entering the global textile industry as well as those already in it.