Sheep Industry News August 2025

IWTO Congress Brings Global Wool Industry Together

W eaving a perfect fit between past and present, Lille, France, was the venue for the 94th Inter national Wool Textile Organization (IWTO) Congress, held May 20–22, 2025. This historic city, known for its rich textile history, was a fitting backdrop for wool industry leaders and enthusiasts from around the world to gather. The event brought together 286 participants represent ing more than 170 companies and 28 countries across the global wool supply chain for three days of industry dia logue. The IWTO Congress is more than just an industry gath ering — it’s a vital opportunity to better understand the global wool market, from wool growers through the textile industry and beyond. It provides valuable market intel ligence, including updates from all major wool-producing countries, reports from first-stage processors, certification program insights, and input from spinners, weavers, and trend forecasters. IWTO also has formal Working Groups on key issues such as biosecurity, sustainability, product wellness, and traceability — where growers and other stakeholders contribute to shaping global best practices. The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) played an active role by sponsoring the event, being members on Working Groups, and presenting an update on the U.S. wool industry. ASI”s presentation, along with promotional videos, highlighted the quality and value of American wool.

ASI Officers Ben Lehfeldt and Joe Pozzi, Wool Council Chair Julie Hansmire, ASI staff and consultants, and other U.S. wool representatives were actively involved in the Congress to represent American wool. With a large portion of U.S. wool exported, active engagement at global events like IWTO is vital to maintaining strong trade relation ships, expanding market access, and keeping American wool competitive and well-represented in the international marketplace. This year’s Congress also highlighted major develop ments shaping the future of the global wool industry. Just before the event opened, the European Commission validated France’s environmental cost labelling system for clothing. Vincent Colomb of ADEME presented the framework, which builds on the EU’s Product Environ mental Footprint (PEF) while incorporating additional factors that better capture wool’s strengths, such as zero microplastic release, durability, and end-of-life impact. This marks a milestone toward more accurate and balanced environmental assessments that reflect wool’s renewable and circular nature, a goal ASI has supported IWTO’s work on for several years. Throughout the Congress, sessions also showcased wool’s expanding role in diverse industries, including construction, luxury interiors for cruise liners, and even gardening. As the conversation around sustainability deep ens, wool continues to prove itself not only as a traditional textile but as a forward-looking solution across sectors.

Joe Pozzi, Julie Hansmire, Ben Lehfeldt

Rita Samuelson

16 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org