Testimonials - Merino

My company (Itochu) first became aware of Dr Jim Watts in the early 1990’s. We were convinced that the future in wool lay in forming fleece-to-fabric linkages, to ensure the delivery of top quality wool, processed efficiently into top quality garments.We had purchased parcels of SRS wool and our processing results were far superior to our normal batches in the scouring, top-making, spinning and weaving. This was due to the fact that SRS fibres were fine and even in diameter; bold and deep crimping; highly aligned and long; of high tensile strength and elasticity; smooth surfaced cylinders and able to absorb dye readily.

Itochu conducted extensive offshore testing of SRS batches in 5 different countries and we proved that the advantages over traditional wool can be experienced from processing right through to the finished garment – it is a new fibre. In Topmaking, excellent improvement can be found in hauteur, short fibre content and tear ratio (top to noil); with better noil, top yield and CVH. The Yarn advantages resulted in a large reduction in ends down, whilst producing a soft, lighter, silky cashmere touch and reducing the yarn breakages by 20-30%. The Fabric advantages include a rich deeper colour after dying, better drape, more elasticity and natural spring as a result of the broader deeper crimp.

Tony Wilson, Former Director and General Manager, Itochu Wool