New finding reveals untapped potential in fibre industry

New research has revealed New Zealand's fibre industry is worth more than than $926 million at the farm gate.

The first of its kind research, which looks at the fibre industry as a whole, has also revealed the industry's untapped potential.

Those are the initial findings ahead of the release of the Future of Fibre Report due out in August.

It's being led by Fashion & Textiles New Zealand and supported by the Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust.

The bulk of the fibre industry is from wool - but also includes harakeke, hemp, hides, mohair and even emerging biomaterials.

Fashion and Textiles New Zealand chief executive Jacinta Fitzgerald said New Zealand produces about 171,000 tonnes of raw fibre annually, which is the equivalent of 6600 fully loaded 40-foot shipping containers.

However, she added that New Zealand imports more fibre-based goods than it manufactures domestically, and exports only a fraction as finished product.

"We are seeing that New Zealand imports approximately 116,000 tonnes of yarn, textiles and apparel every year. And we actually manufacture about 93,000 tonnes of textiles apparel and carpet domestically, but we export only 11,000 tonnes," she said.

Fitzgerald said they are now looking at opportunities that allow the industry to capture more value from what it already grows and produces.

"It's about building the bridge between the incredible fibre that we produce and the customers that want premium values led, authentic, quality products. We know we can produce those as well, so how do we build the bridge?"

Fitzgerald said they are already seeing a strong opportunities emerging, including wool applications in interiors, technical textiles and higher value apparel.

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