SupplyCompass unveils wool sourcing partnership with Woolmark Company

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Sep 29, 2020

Fashion production software firm SupplyCompass has teamed up with The Woolmark Company to help small fashion brands produce sustainable wool collections.

The UK-based product development and production management platform said the partnership will enable access to trusted wool supply chains.

Brands using the platform can now connect with manufacturers from The Woolmark Company’s global network and benefit from total traceability, with access to the full journey from farm to product. 

“We’re over the moon to be entering the wool market with the absolute experts, The Woolmark Company. We’ve been wanting to add wool to our supply chain for a while, but knew it had to be done in the right way. This meant working with the right partner as well as getting our platform ready to ensure circularity and sustainable design could be integrated with transparency from the beginning—with the end goal of ensuring all wool garments have a positive impact throughout their entire lifecycle,” said SupplyCompass co-founder Flora Davidson. 

The phased roll-out of wool suppliers will initially add a select number of manufacturer partners, who will be put through a rigorous onboarding process. This process involves a qualifying digital assessment—comprising the factory's operational set-up, labour policies, code of conduct, sustainable practices and environmental initiatives—as well as a factory visit. 

SupplyCompass plans to have a global selection of manufacturers by the end of 2021, including weavers and knitters from India, China and Europe.

The company will also work with The Woolmark Company to develop a comprehensive wool guide, covering the extensive properties of the fibre, different types of wool, the wool production process, and the social, animal and environmental impacts of the material.

Fashion and homeware brands can also use the guide to learn more about designing a collection with wool, The Woolmark Company’s certification and the latest innovations in wool, such as wind and water-resistant wool and wool faux fur.

Stuart McCullough, managing director of The Woolmark Company, said: “We’re excited to be partnering with SupplyCompass and continue to build our global network of trusted supply chain partners. The current climate is also an opportune time for designers, brands and innovators to expand their knowledge and we are confident the new Wool Guide will be a beneficial educational resource.”