Carpet business must pay more for wool

By FWi staff

THE textile industry must recognise that sheep farmers need more money for producing wool, carpet manufacturers will be told tomorrow (Wednesday).

Alun Evans, chairman of the British Wool Marketing Board, will ask for fairer pay at the biennial British Wool International Quality Awards, held in Bradford.

Despite improvements made in presenting wool for sale and the record amount sold this season, the price paid to producers is still not covering the cost of shearing.

“We firmly believe that the future for British wool lies with the UK and European carpet industries and are spending 90% of our promotional budget in this area,” Mr Evans will tell delegates.

Mr Evans has been encouraged by the number and quality of new wool products developed, but is disappointed that prices have not improved to producers.

This is the first time the British wool awards have been devoted entirely to carpets in recognition that more than 70% of the UK clip is used in carpet products.

Before presenting the awards, the Duchess of Devonshire will officially open the new BWMB headquarters on behalf of Britains 78,000 wool producers.