Frequently Asked Questions

Why Eqwools

Because nothing performs like wool – and nothing makes wool as accessible as eqwools™.

Wool’s natural benefits:

  • Thermoregulation (warm when its cold, cool when its hot)
  • Breathability
  • Moisture vapour management
  • Odour resistance
  • Elasticity
  • Softness
  • UV protection
  • Biodegradability

eqwools™ delivers all of these — in a format the global industry can adopt instantly.

Because the world needs fibres that perform naturally – not synthetically.

eqwools™ allows wool to move through short-staple, cotton-based spinning systems without machinery changes, unlocking scale, efficiency, and commercial viability.

See how eqwools™ works within the supply chain

Because nature spent millions of years getting it right.

Wool is:

  • Active (responds to body temperature)
  • Breathable by structure
  • Elastic by design
  • Comfortable across climates
  • Naturally odour resistant
  • Long-lasting and resilient
  • Fully biodegradable at end of life

eqwools™ doesn’t change wool. It simply makes it easier to use — everywhere.

Learn more about wool’s natural intelligence:

Right where wool expertise runs deepest – and where global supply chains connect.

eqwools™ is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, working closely alongside Michell Wool’s global headquarters in Salisbury, South Australia – home to 155+ years of wool processing expertise.

From Australia, eqwools™ operates as part of Michell Wool’s established international footprint, with:

  • First-stage wool processing in Australia
  • Value-adding and fibre preparation in Suzhou, China
  • Active partnerships with spinners, mills, brands and research institutions worldwide

This structure allows eqwools™ to stay deeply connected to the fibre at its source, while operating seamlessly within the global textile systems where products are designed, spun and manufactured today.

Local knowledge. Global reach. One connected wool system.

Learn more about Michell Wool’s legacy and global operations:

The Fibre: Technical Specifications

eqwools™ is Merino wool – engineered to move like cotton and perform like wool.

It is:

  • 100% Australian Merino
  • Short-staple compatible (runs on cotton systems)
  • Blowroom-ready
  • Available in Superwash & non-Superwash
  • Designed for blending with cotton, MMCFs & other fibres
  • Fully traceable (with optional FibreTrace®)

Backed by 155 years of Michell Wool expertise and ongoing validation with Deakin University.

Deep dive:

eqwools™ has an average staple length of 30–33 mm, intentionally engineered with natural variability, not rigid uniformity.

Why this matters:

  • Cotton systems prefer fibres that aren’t “too square”
  • Wool’s natural crimp needs space to behave properly
  • Variable length improves blending and drafting behaviour

Importantly, eqwools™ is intentionally engineered with fibre length variability, based on CSIRO guidance that fibres should not be overly “square”. This improves blending behaviour with cotton.

See fibre imagery:

Because nature spent millions of years getting it right.

Wool is:

  • Active (responds to body temperature)
  • Breathable by structure
  • Elastic by design
  • Comfortable across climates
  • Naturally odour resistant
  • Long-lasting and resilient
  • Fully biodegradable at end of life

 

eqwools™ doesn’t change wool. It simply makes it easier to use — everywhere.

(Also referred to as denier in short-staple systems)

eqwools™ can be supplied to specific micron requirements. Our standard range begins at 18.5 micron (extra-fine) and extends upward depending on application.

We offer three standardised product tiers:

eqwools™ TierSuggested Yarn Count (Nm)
Knit7s, 10s, 12s → 19s
Fine20s → 30s
Luxe31s+

Our team will guide product selection based on your yarn, fabric, and end-use requirements.

Compare tiers:

Product Tiers & Applications

Same Merino. Different intentions.

eqwools™ Knit

Built for structure, warmth and scale

  • Heavier yarns
  • Wool-poor blends
  • Sweats, fleece, denim, uniforms
  • FibreTrace® optional

 

Explore Knit:

 

eqwools™ Fine

The everyday all-rounder

  • Fashion and athleisure
  • Wool-rich or wool-poor blends
  • Balanced softness and durability
  • FibreTrace® optional

 

Explore Fine:

 

eqwools™ Luxe

Precision Merino for next-to-skin

  • Ultra-fine comfort
  • Premium basics & base layers
  • FibreTrace® included as standard

 

Explore Luxe:

Anywhere comfort, performance and longevity matter.

Common applications include:

  • T-shirts & jersey
  • Knitwear & layering
  • Athleisure & active
  • Lounge & sleepwear
  • Fashion basics
  • Denim & non-denim wovens

Blending & Performance

eqwools™ is designed to play well with others.

Common blends include:

  • Cotton
  • Man-made cellulosics (viscose, modal, lyocell)
  • Synthetics (where required)

 

While synthetics are possible, the guiding principle is simple: nature already delivers exceptional performance.

What blend ratios are possible?

  • Common blends range from 10–50% wool
  • Proven commercial max today: 50% wool / 50% cotton
  • Research underway: 100% eqwools™ spun on cotton systems

 

Testing shows:
~30% wool delivers thermoregulation close to 100% wool.

Blending doesn’t dilute wool’s impact – it distributes it.

Processing, Dyeing & Care

No changes. No new machinery. No drama.

eqwools™ is supplied as loose fibre, prepared for short-staple spinning and fully compatible with existing cotton systems.

eqwools™ is compatible with standard dyeing systems. We support mills with:

  • Dye class recommendations
  • Technical recipes
  • Troubleshooting support

Yes – wool can be easy-care.

Available in Superwash and non-Superwash, eqwools™:

  • Meets common retailer wash standards
  • Has passed extensive R&D testing
  • Uses the Kroy/Hurcasett shrink-proofing process

Processing, Dyeing & Care

No changes. No new machinery. No drama.

eqwools™ is supplied as loose fibre, prepared for short-staple spinning and fully compatible with existing cotton systems.

eqwools™ is compatible with standard dyeing systems. We support mills with:

  • Dye class recommendations
  • Technical recipes
  • Troubleshooting support

Yes – wool can be easy-care.

Available in Superwash and non-Superwash, eqwools™:

  • Meets common retailer wash standards
  • Has passed extensive R&D testing
  • Uses the Kroy/Hurcasett shrink-proofing process

Traceability & Certifications

Yes – physically, not just digitally.

eqwools™ can include FibreTrace® pigment technology, embedded directly into the fibre, enabling verification:

  • From raw wool
  • Through processing
  • To finished garment
  • Even at consumer level

Available on request:

  • Non-mulesed / ceased-mulesed declarations
  • RWS (Responsible Wool Standard)
  • RegenAgri

(Availability, lead times, and pricing may vary.)

Make an Enquiry

Sampling, Trials & Support

Trialling eqwools™ is simple:

  • Order one or more trial bales (120 kg each)
  • Receive full technical support
  • Move confidently from trial → yarn → fabric

 

Make an Enquiry

Yes. eqwools™ supports brands end-to-end with:

  • Supply-chain connections
  • Fibre storytelling
  • Swing tags & QR integration
  • FibreTrace® activation
  • Product engineering guidance
  • Marketing and Communications

 

We work with both existing and nominated supply chains globally.

Commercials, Logistics & Lead Times

Typically within 7–10 days from our Suzhou facility
(Timing varies by volume and value-adding.)

Make an Enquiry

How is eqwools™ shipped?

  • Sea freight from Shanghai
  • Bale weight: ~120 kg
  • 20ft container: ~52 bales (~6.2 tonnes)
  • 40ft container: ~13 tonnes (most economical)

We recommend: HS 5013000 – Carbonised Wool Fibre

In many regions, this attracts favourable duty compared to wool yarn.

  • Prices issued fortnightly
  • Valid for 14 days
  • Fixed-term pricing available

 

Trial and volume-based incentives are available.

Still Curious? Good

We’re here to help.

Contact the eqwools™ team for technical guidance, samples, or commercial discussions – and let nature do the heavy lifting.

Make an Enquiry