“With the funding support from industry and government, we are able to carry out novel research that may generate new knowledge around what a natural fibre like wool can offer,” says AgResearch Senior Scientist Dr Sonya Scott.
“In this research, we are able to explore what difference there may be between use of wool and synthetics when it comes to the billions of microorganisms that exist in our homes."
"Most of us don’t think about the ‘normal’ microbiome in our homes and how this could be impacted by the use of natural or synthetic fibres. We hypothesise that different types of fibre around the home will alter what microbes are present. We do not know if this could have health implications, and the first step is to measure any differences.”
Tom O’Sullivan, CFWNZ Chair, says the study is an exciting step for New Zealand wool.
“CFWNZ is proud to support this research, both financially and through the supply of product from our partners,” says Tom.
“We are passionately committed to influencing conscientious consumers around the globe to buy New Zealand wool products. While we can’t predict what the research will find, this study - and any that follow it - could provide valuable intelligence to support Campaign for Wool’s strategic objectives and benefit our New Zealand strong wool growers and their partners.”
At its conclusion, findings from the research will be made available to CFWNZ’s registered commercial partners, which currently include a range of both large and small manufacturers and retailers such as Bremworth, Godfrey Hirst, BigSave and Swazi NZ.
**The media release above was originally issued by the Campaign for Wool NZ (CFWNZ), on behalf of the CFWNZ and AgResearch**