Woolmark and Colourizd launch low-impact dyeing solution for wool yarn

Woolmark, the benchmark label for wool, has announced its partnership with dry-dyeing specialist Colourizd to deploy QuantumColour. This process uses just 0.5 liters of water per kilogram of yarn and eliminates the need for bleaching, pre-treatment, and wastewater discharge.

This new process can produce colors ranging from faded to saturated. Most importantly, it eliminates the use of chemicals such as caustic soda, acids, salts, and bleach—substances that typically require 60 to 120 liters of water per kilo of yarn to rinse.

Woolmark has successfully tested the device on 100% Merino wool, as well as wool blended with cotton, cellulose fibers (derived from wood pulp), and synthetic fibers such as nylon. Testing confirmed the viability of the process throughout the entire production chain, including finished products.

“After extensive testing of Merino wool and wool blends, we realized that the Colourizd team was developing something truly revolutionary for the wool industry,” said Julie Davies, Woolmark’s managing director.

According to Textile Exchange data, in 2023, wool accounted for 0.9% of global fiber production. The organization estimated that 89% of this was conventional wool, while 4% was certified sustainable wool and 6% recycled wool.

The dyeing stage is strategic and complex on the road to environmental responsibility in fashion. A 2018 study by Quantis estimated that the dyeing and finishing stage accounts for 36% of the pollution caused by clothing. It is also estimated that 20% of global water pollution is linked to these production stages.