Bioproducts

Wool is an extremely versatile fibre. Our research has shown that wool is readily biodegradable in the ocean, has naturally fire-resistant qualities, has anti-odour properties and its products are a natural fit in a circular bioeconomy. 

AgResearch has world-leading expertise in consumer-relevant attributes of wool, and the farm systems that produce it. We undertake research to understand, quantify and enhance the benefits of wool in consumer products including product performance, environmental impact and even human safety and wellbeing.

Demonstrating our strong commitment to wool, AgResearch has invested in scientific instrumentation to improve our understanding of wool fibre and widen the application of wool in textiles and materials. As well as our extensive laboratories, our scientists have access to well-equipped pilot-scale processing plants enabling discoveries made in the lab to be rapidly tested on a larger scale. We cover wool fibre processing from farm to product and beyond.

Wearing wool benefits skin health

AgResearch scientists are shedding new light on the connection between what people wear and the health of their skin.

Working with human volunteers, our scientists tested the skin's reaction to wool and polyester fabrics to determine which fibre offers the best benefits for skin health. 

Results showed that wool promoted the maintenance of healthy skin while polyester had a drying effect with some inflammation.

Exploring new protein-based materials 

A circular bioeconomy is a model that emphasises the use of renewable natural capital and focuses on eliminating waste. At AgResearch, we are working to maximise value and minimise waste from bio-based products from production to consumption. An example of this is a product in development called Keratinite.  

In June 2023, AgResearch was awarded the Sustainability Award at the Food, Fibre and Agritech Challenge 2023 for Keratinite, a natural binder that could replace the formaldehyde-based resins in particleboards. The new product is made from a keratin-rich waste stream like feathers, animal hair or wool. Our award winning Research Engineer, Paul Middlewood, won a place on an eight-week initiative to help with the development of Keratinite. 

National Science Challenge

AgResearch contributed its expertise to 4D-printing and additive manufacturing programmes as part of the Science for Technological Innovation (SfTI) National Science Challenge(external link). 

We investigated how to use proteins, such as keratin, from New Zealand’s primary industries to produce biodegradable materials by adapting materials to existing additive manufacturing technologies or adapting those technologies to bio-based materials. 

The team successfully created responsive 4D printed protein-based materials that change form and functionality depending on the surrounding humidity.