1190 days ago

The Green Side of Wool

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean (Hawkes Bay Chem-Dry)

We have a soft spot for sheep. For many, sheep are symbolic to New Zealand culture with the rearing of sheep being the backbone to the economy for many years.

Sheep farming was established in New Zealand by the 1850s and has played an important role in the economy ever since. For several decades wool accounted for more than a third of New Zealand’s exports by value with the sheep population peaking at just over 70 million in 1982.

This number is significant when comparing it to New Zealand’s human population. By 2020, sheep numbers dropped to 26 million, following a decline in profitability compared to other types of farming, particularly dairying.

While also farmed for their meat, today’s article focuses on sheep wool and its environmental attributes.

Wool is a natural and renewable resource and as long as our beloved sheep are eating the tasty green pastures from New Zealand farms they will always produce wool. Wool has amazing properties that make it ideal for many applications from home textiles through to incontinence underwear.

At this point in time, cotton and synthetic fibres are the most commonly used and produced fibres globally, however their performance does not come close to wool, in particular the environmental benefits.

From wool to yarn: The wool clip (total yield of wool shorn during one season from the sheep) is sent to the scourers where the wool is cleaned and dried, and from there to a woollen spinner where the fibre is spun into yarn. The yarn is then sent on to the manufacturer of textile products where many different processes are involved.

The yarn is wound onto dye cones and dyed to the required colours. Next the yarn is warped onto beams. These warp beams are then threaded through the looms so that the weft yarn can run across the warp to create a woven fabric.

The fabric is then inspected and then washed and dried. Very few chemicals are used in the processing, typically only water and heat.



Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

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3 days ago

Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.

Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.

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Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
  • 64.4% Yes
    64.4% Complete
  • 33.2% No
    33.2% Complete
  • 2.4% Other - I'll share below
    2.4% Complete
2227 votes
2 hours ago

Hawke's Bay Show 2025

Denise from Marewa

Something for you to consider for next year. There needs to be a lot more entries in the show as it was quite disappointing to see how few there were this year. Townies can enter these competitions, it's not just for country folk. It costs $5 for one entry, and you get a free ticket to the Show (worth $16) and a free carpark, as well as the chance of winning a prize. www.hbap.co.nz...

R
1 day ago

folding canvas wardrobe

Ron from Greenmeadows

If anyone got a folding canvas wardrobe, did not have the shelving with it, at the Anderson Park recycling day last Sat and you are missing the shelving I have them. Please contact Ron 06 8440644.