SYNTHETIC WOOL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23517, 3 June 1938, Page 25

SYNTHETIC WOOL

CONCERN IN GREAT BRITAIN The manufacture of synthetic wool, which within two or three years has become a vast and highly organised industry, is one of the factors contributing to the serious position of the sheep trade in Britain.

In 1931 the world output of synthetic wool, which is largely made from wood-pulp, was negligible; but it is estimated that the output in 1937 was about 600,000,0001 b, equal to seven times the weight of the British wool clip. The bulk of this output has been manufactured in Germany, Italy, and Japan, and consequently these countries have drastically reduced their purchases of natural wool. Big textile interests in other countries are now turning their attention to the possibilities of synthetic wool production, and information secured by the N.F.U. suggests that attempts may be made to expand the industry already established in Britain.

The point which most concerns sheep farmers, however, is that synthetic wool can be produced at about half the price of natural wool.

The Internationa] Wool Secretariat, which has the backing of the South African, Australian, and New Zealand Governments, is seeking the co-operation of the English and Scottish farmers’ organisations in defence of the natural wool industry.