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Eco Fibres
The development of an eco-fibre blend combining
merino fibre and possum fur has inspired the development of
a new range of fabrics unique to New Zealand. Woolyarns were
responsible for the initial development and refining of the
process for producing the original blending of fine Merino
fibre and soft, light Possum fibre which is unique to New
Zealand, into a specialised yarn, which is amazingly soft
light and warm.
The Possum fibre is similar in form to Cashmere
in that it has no scales and in addition it is hollow, which
adds lightness and superior warmth compared to other natural
fibres of a similar micron.
Quotations on Eco-fibre:
In 1997 Chris Laidlaw, the former Executive
Director of the World Wile Fund for Nature - New Zealand,
supported an initiative to significantly improve New Zealand's
special environment;
"Recent research carried out for WWF-NZ by
the University of Auckland suggest that some North Island
forests and the unique wildlife that depends on them are being
severely affected by browsing possums. "This initiative, promoted
by leading New Zealand businessman and environmentalist Sir
Peter Elworthy, will help to keep New Zealand's forests clean
and green..." That sentiment is shared by other conservation
organisations in New Zealand;
The Director-General of the Department of Conservation issued
to following statement in 1997 regarding the brushtail possum
in New Zealand: "...the brushtail possum Trichosurus vulpecula
is not a species listed in the Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
and is not protected in any way under New Zealand law.This
animal was introduced to New Zealand from Australia last century
in an effort to establish a fur trade. They are universally
viewed as a pest throughout New Zealand, have spread to and
now inhabit all areas of native forest, causing extensive
damage to a wide variety of forest plants and many species
of native wildlife. Any commercial exploitation of this animal
within New Zealand is viewed as contributing toward their
eradication and accordingly, all exports of carcasses, skin
or other by-products of brushtail possum originating from
this country is in full accordance with the laws of New Zealand." |
