Fashion Enterprise, R&T Industry apply FibreTrace on merino wool

Vietnam-based manufacturers, Fashion Enterprise and R&T Industry, have successfully completed phase one of applying FibreTrace on Australian Merino wool. This pilot experiment sees the introduction of traceable wool fibres across the global textile and fashion supply chain. With pilot 1 completed at spinning and pilot 2 currently underway at the scourer, Fashion Enterprise and R&T Industry are poised to launch this revolutionary solution to the market in early 2024.

The partners involved in this visionary collaboration include Fashion Enterprise, R&T Industry, The Woolmark Company, Indorama, and Garment Assembly. The Woolmark Company provided vital support to the project by sponsoring the Indorama testing, while Indorama, a Woolmark-certified spinning expert based in Thailand, successfully applied the FibreTrace technology to the wool tops. Fashion Enterprise and R&T Industry commissioned the pilot and played a crucial role in the weaving and knitting processes, producing high-quality wool suiting fabric and fully fashioned knits yarns.

The completed pilot made possible through The Woolmark Company’s generous wool donation, technical support as part of its Emerging Markets program and supply chain introductions, marked a significant milestone in the project. Approximately 200 kilograms of Australian Merino wool fibre underwent testing at Indorama, yielding promising results. Building upon this success, the commercial pilot is set to involve 2.4 tons of Australian Merino wool fibre, exclusively focused on knitting yarn production.

By implementing FibreTrace technology, Fashion Enterprise and R&T Industry now offer traceable Australian Merino wool, ensuring visibility and accountability from spinner to shelf. With the second phase underway, applying the technology at the scouring stage, the company is on track to provide a seamless traceability solution for the entire supply chain, from Australian scouring to China top making, as well as top dying, yarn spinning, and garment knitting in Vietnam.

With this successful proof of concept and phase 2’s promising progress, the wool tops are expected to be ready in early June 2023, followed by yarn production in August of the same year.

R&T Industry plans to launch soon the traceable Australian Merino wool to the market. In fact, according to Fashion Enterprise and R&T Industry, multiple clothing brands — such as Cue, Veronika Maine, and Country Road — have already expressed interest in carrying traceable wool on their shelves. Following the demand, bulk production is slated to commence in October, ensuring availability in stores for winter 2024 by February.

“The FibreTrace platform offers the perfect solution to tracing the textile and fashion supply chain from farm to consumers. Not only are we proud to be the first to offer this solution in Vietnam but we are very excited to offer FibreTrace for both Australian Merino wool along with Good Earth Cotton regenerative cotton from Australia,” said Rodney Thanh, CEO Fashion Enterprise, CEO R&T Industry.

Fashion Enterprise, R&T Industry and its partners are at the forefront of driving transparency and accountability in the fashion industry. By pioneering the use of FibreTrace technology on Australian wool fibres, the project sets a new standard for traceability, sustainability, and ethical sourcing, empowering consumers to make informed and responsible fashion choices.