Tool 2.1 Simplified flow of the wool pipeline
Around 80% of Australian wool passes through the worsted system. This is based on firmly twisted yarn spun from combed and carded long-staple wool (such as fleece and pieces).
Most of the remainder is processed through the short-staple woollen spinning system and comprises mainly lambs’ wool and carding types (e.g., locks and crutchings). Woollen yarn is typically used in knitwear.
It is important to understand that wool is bought and blended to meet specific customer and processor specifications. By managing this process, buyers can meet the specifications required to make the intended end product, as different wool is used for different applications.
