"HRH the Prince of Wales opens the gates of Highgrove"

11 April 2012

“HRH the Prince of Wales opens the gates of Highgrove to Campaign for Wool “

HRH the Prince of Wales hosted tea for a Campaign for Wool meeting on 30th March. A select group of representatives from US and UK carpet manufacturers and interior designers were invited to meet the Prince at Highgrove, his private residence. The meeting aimed to promote the fabulous qualities of wool, specifically for use in the home. Amias Taylor, New Zealand Representative for The Campaign for Wool, said; “It was an honour to be asked to attend and to represent New Zealand Wool Interests at Highgrove.

Speaking to Prince Charles it is very clear that he is genuinely passionate about wool. Meeting an influential cross section of carpet manufacturers and interior designers was an invaluable opportunity to promote the great qualities of this fantastic natural fibre. A select group of influential companies from the US and UK were represented and it was brilliant to hear how they are committed to the use of wool in their products, as well as the sustainable story that wool represents. Included in the US group were industry leaders driving the North American expansion of the “Just Shorn” TM range of branded New Zealand wool carpets and rugs, commercial carpet manufacturing companies, and high profile textile designers. Our global industry is extremely fortunate and grateful for the support of the Prince through the Campaign for Wool and the new found global enthusiasm and interest that has been generated in wool and wool products.” Arriving at Highgrove representatives were treated to a fascinating tour of the gardens, which have been individually designed by the Prince. HRH the Prince of Wales joined the meeting for afternoon tea. He spoke with everyone individually and emphasised his support and commitment to wool and the sustainable story that it represents, and also the excellent work and principles of the Campaign for Wool.

Over 35 countries have now signed up to the Campaign for Wool, which continues to gather momentum across the world. Several very successful promotional activities have already been delivered. Wool Modern, the signature event for 2011, showcased wool in creations of some of the world’s most influential fashion designers including Vivienne Westwood. In 2012, the emphasis for the campaign is strongly on the use of wool in the home. Amias added “There are some very exciting activities planned for 2012 with a strong focus on use of wool in interiors. The impressive international reach of the Campaign for Wool means this is really important for NZ as much of the NZ clip is destined for use in interior products. This really is an exciting time for wool and wool use on the global stage.”

www.campaignforwool.co.nz

Notes

About The Campaign

The Campaign for Wool is a global initiative that aims to bring wool back into fashion and to highlight it as a fibre that is an eco-friendly and durable option to cheaper and more disposable alternatives. Patron of the campaign, HRH the Prince of Wales, who himself is the United Kingdom’s most significant sheep farmer, launched the initiative in September 2010 with a Wool Week in Savile Row, London.

Research commissioned by the Prince suggested that wool and its outstanding characteristics had been forgotten due to the rise in popularity of synthetic fibres and the rush to embrace all things new. As a serious environmentalist, the Prince believes that the natural, sustainable and highly technical abilities of wool can offer fashion, interiors and the built environment a host of superior benefits, while helping to care for the planet. The Campaign for Wool brings together farming and textile industries with wool organisations from across the world. Supported by New Zealand, the campaign is working to reintroduce this wonder fibre to today’s generation by promoting the benefits of wool – such as being flame retardant, sun safe, breathable, biodegradable, as well as natural and renewable.

In promoting these benefits, we are seeking to get people talking about wool again; so that when making purchasing decisions that matter, people choose wool. The Campaign for Wool will run initially for five years. The New Zealand funding for the Campaign for Wool is contributed by woolgrowers, wool merchants and wool exporters.

ENDS

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