The Government of New Zealand is supporting what it described as the world’s first clinical sleep trial to test how the country’s strong-wool bedding performs against synthetic alternatives, in a move aimed at building evidence for wool’s use in higher-value bedding and home textile products.

The three-year, $2 million sleep science research programme is led by Wisewool and supported with $800,000 from the Primary Sector Growth Fund. The project will test real people in their own homes and in sleep laboratories, measuring sleep latency, body temperature regulation, breathability, moisture management, hypoallergenic performance and overall user comfort.

New Zealand is backing a three-year, $2 million clinical trial comparing strong-wool bedding with synthetic alternatives.
The Wisewool-led project will test sleepers at home and in laboratories, measuring comfort, breathability and moisture management.
For wool growers, exporters and bedding suppliers, validated sleep evidence could support premium positioning in international markets.

The project builds on earlier government assistance that helped Wisewool develop its premium wool bud filler for furniture and bedding products.

Todd McClay, Agriculture Minister, said: “Scientifically validating wool’s sleep benefits will allow strong-wool to command a premium, positioning it as a high-performance natural alternative to foam, synthetics, feathers and cotton. Working with leading sleep researchers to provide credible evidence, will open doors in international markets.”

McClay said the previous work has already enabled Wisewool to pay Tairāwhiti East Coast farmers a 50-cent premium for every kilogram of raw wool supplied. He also said the company aims to process 30 million kilograms of wool across the North Island over the next decade, which would require sourcing a significant share of New Zealand’s strong-wool from across the country.

Mark Patterson, Rural Communities Minister, said the investment reflects the government’s commitment to rural communities, adding that the project is “science-led, sustainability-driven and delivering real value for farmers”. Patterson said proving the premium sleep case for New Zealand strong-wool could lift demand and farmgate returns across the sector, from growers through to exporters, and is expected to create a competitive advantage for New Zealand wool.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RKS)