Company overview
The mission of Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI) is to drive research, development, innovation and marketing that will increase the long-term profitability of Australian woolgrowers.
Introduction
AWI invests in global R&D, innovation and marketing through the entire wool pipeline – from farm to fashion house – in the areas of wool production, textile product development, marketing and industry affairs. Established in 2001, AWI is a not-for-profit company owned by more than 29,000 Australian farmers.
AWI looks to fund and commercialise global projects with a range of partners, from scientists through to retailers. AWI aims to get the projects in which it invests, rapidly and widely adopted or commercialised.
In October 2007, AWI acquired assets of Australian Wool Services. As a result of this historic merger, AWI became the owner of Woolmark: the world’s best known textile fibre brand.
AWI investments are predominantly funded through an R&D levy paid by woolgrowers, currently set at two per cent of the sale price received for their shorn greasy wool, and a matching contribution from the Australian government, capped at 0.5 per cent of the value of gross national value of wool production. Woolgrowers vote every three years on the percentage of wool proceeds they would like to invest in wool R&D. The next vote is scheduled for 2009.
Where we invest
Wool textile product development and marketing
AWI provides knowledge, innovation and marketing support to its business-to-business partners with the aim of increasing the demand for Australian Merino wool.
Our business-to-business strategy involves working closely with key decision makers in global clothing markets and targeting innovations towards market demand. In this way, AWI aims to find new uses for Australian Merino wool and develop products that consumers want to buy.
AWI provides its extensive knowledge about wool through the supply chain to its business-to-business partners.
AWI’s innovations are either ‘pushed’ into the market place from AWI or are ‘pulled’, based on a request from within the supply chain.
We also provide product marketing support to companies wishing to highlight the intrinsic benefits of Merino that exist in their current range or the innovative benefits that exist in a product range created in conjunction with AWI.
Wool production
AWI works with Australian woolgrowers to help them compete profitably in international markets through the development and adoption of on-farm innovations.
AWI aims to help woolgrowers reduce the cost of production on their farms through innovation in the areas of:
- Breeding and genetics – providing tools to help woolgrowers identify the best animals from which to breed.
- Pastures and environment – projects in plant breeding, grazing management, soils, pasture pests, and weeds.
- Animal health and welfare – measures to maintain healthy, productive animals.
- Wool harvesting – initiatives to improve the numbers, quality and productivity of shearers and wool handlers.
Company history
On 1 January 2001 Australian Wool Services (AWS) replaced the Australian Wool Research and Promotion Organisation (AWRAP), which had been operating since 1993. Two AWS subsidiaries, AWI and The Woolmark Company, were also established. On 30 April 2002 AWI separated from AWS to become a fully independent public company limited by shares.
In October 2007, AWI acquired The Woolmark Company from AWS. AWI now owns the world famous Woolmark.