THREAT TO WOOL MARKET

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26266, 10 November 1950, Page 6

THREAT TO WOOL MARKET

USE OF SYNTHETIC FABRICS

From Our Own Reporter TIMARU, November 9. If manufacturers of synthetic fibres were able to continue producing their materials at a more reasonable cost than raw wool, there was serious danger that synthetic fabrics would become popular, to the detriment of the economies of wool-producing countries, said Mr R. Marshall, of Timaru, who has returned from England, where he wool and the methods of its production. Mr Marshall said that every opportunity was being taken to introduce a synthetic product with better qualities than wool, and, although the finished articles were slightly inferior, they were being made at a cost more acceptable to the public. Throughout the world at present the production of synthetic materials far exceeded that of raw wool. Mr Marshall said. One of the more popular synthetics which was being produced in greatly increasing quantities was rayon. In 1948 2.477,000,0001 b of rayon was produced. compared with 5,000.0001 b in 1902. Compared with these figures the weight of greasy wool grown was only 3,730,000.0001 b. Although the weight exceeded the weight of rayon produced, the amount of wool obtained after it had been processed was less. In addition to rayon, nylon and many other synthetic materials were being made. Strength and Durability

When wool was blended with synthetic fibres the material had greater strength and durability, although it would not absorb moisture to the same extent as pure wool. That was important, especially when the finished article was worn next to the skin, he said. To prove the durability of synthetic wool an English manufacturer had woven a pair of men’s socks, using 50 per cent, pure wool and 50 per cent, nylon. The socks were worn continuously for 12 mopths and at the end of the period there was no sign of wear.

When using pure woo] it was difficult to weave a light fabric, and Algii|,ate synthetic wool was being blended to make a stronger material. The fibre was woven with the wool yarn and. after weaving, the two were washed in a alkali solution, the result being a perfect light-weight, all-wool fabric.

The two main synthetics were rayon and nylon, Mr Marshall said. Nylon was made from coal, water, and air, and was known as wholly synthetic. Rayon, being made from jvood pulp or cotton, was known as part synthetic. The basic principles of rayon and nylon manufacture were the same as all other synthetic materials; it was only the different methods of processing which gave the various types of products. It was obvipus that those fibres could be produced to the requirements of the manufacturers, and that was a distinct advantage ofer pure wool, he said. Wool varied considerably in thickness and length, and this was inclined to bring about an uneven yarn. Althopgh the synthetics had advantages they did not compare in quality with raw wool articles. “Prdduction Costa Lower” “The main point is that, although a synthetic material does not outlast the genuine material, the production costs are less and, consequently, a lower price is charged to tljie purchaser. The products have far-reaching, possibilities and, if care is not taken, wool will depreciate in the same way as silk did when nylon came into being. If there is a lessening demand for raw wool it will mean that New Zealand and Australia will lose the backbone of their exports. “In England the International Wool Secretariat is carrying out an extensive campaign against the synthetic fibre,” said Mr Marshall. “In all public places notices can be seen advertising that ‘There is no Substitute for Wool.’ The secretariat realises that unless the public becomes wool minded the danger, which is threatening, will become a stark reality. Wool manufacturers will have to realise that, to make the public conscious of good wool, they will have to produce materials with resisting properties equal to those in synthetic*/’,