#011: Roy Kettlewell explains how finishing processes bring out the best in wool

In this episode, wool specialist Roy Kettlewell explains the different wool finishing processes, relevant wool product tests and shares his insights about why wool succeeds in the sports, casual and baby wear markets.

About Roy Kettlewell

Roy started his career 43 years ago in his birthplace of Yorkshire, UK,  working for the International Wool Secretariat, and then The Woolmark Company specialising in chemical finishing and developing innovative technologies and processes such as the Mercerised Merino for the wool fibre.  For the last eight years he has been based in Sydney Australia working for Australian Wool Innovation as Global Innovations Manager and since July 2016 as an independent consultant with Kettlewell Consulting.

Over the last four decades he has worked with entire wool processing pipeline from the raw fibre to garment making; in Europe, USA, China, India to implement the new technologies and deliver a point of difference for the industry. At the same time he has collaborated with global retailers and manufacturers to help, through training key staff, to communicate the benefits of merino wool innovations to the consumer.  The key to successful innovation is to make sure it meets a market need and enhances value in the eyes of the customer.

Connect with Roy Kettlewell here

Website: Kettlewell Consulting

Key Timestamps

[spp-timestamp time=”01:05″] About Roy Kettlewell

[spp-timestamp time=”02:46″] Why Roy is so passionate about wool?

[spp-timestamp time=”03:37″] Sharing his knowledge for the benefit of wool.

[spp-timestamp time=”04:55″] Who are the customers of Kettlewell consulting?

[spp-timestamp time=”07:30″] Roy explains the different finishing processes of wool.

[spp-timestamp time=”14:20″] What is meant by contamination during the finishing processes?

[spp-timestamp time=”15:30″] How is wool made washable?

[spp-timestamp time=”19:55″] How does product testing work for wool products?

[spp-timestamp time=”24:10″] The trends for wool in different product applications and consumer markets.

[spp-timestamp time=”29:35″] Why wool is an ideal fibre for sportswear.

[spp-timestamp time=”34:25″] Another trend for wool in babywear.

[spp-timestamp time=”37:29″]How to choose the right wool for your end product.

[spp-timestamp time=”42:22″] What are the barriers for wool?

 

3 Finishing processing stages Roy talked about

• Preparation
• Wet Processing
• Dry Processing

 

Important product tests Roy mentioned in this episode

• Fibre content
• Colour fastness
• Damage or stability
• Garment performance during wear life