Woolchemy and BCNonwovens Partner to Expand Sustainable Wool Nonwoven Production

Collaboration aims to accelerate the industrial-scale manufacturing of wool-based hygiene materials

New Zealand-based materials innovator Woolchemy has entered into a strategic collaboration with Spanish manufacturer BCNonwovens to advance the production of sustainable spunlace nonwoven materials made with sheep wool.

The partnership focuses on scaling up the manufacturing of Woolchemy’s neweFlex platform, including formats such as neweFlex ADL and neweFlex Wipes. These materials are intended for use in a wide range of hygiene applications, including wet wipes, baby care products, feminine hygiene solutions and incontinence products.

The agreement follows a successful manufacturing pilot carried out at BCNonwovens’ facilities, supported by additional testing and validation processes that confirmed the material’s performance and production viability.

At the core of Woolchemy’s technology is neweFibre, a specially processed wool fibre developed to meet the demanding regulatory standards of the disposable hygiene industry. Combined with plant-based fibres, neweFlex delivers moisture management, comfort and skin-friendly properties while offering a renewable and biodegradable alternative to conventional petroleum-based materials.

Derelee Potroz-Smith, CEO and co-founder of Woolchemy, described the agreement as an important milestone in the company’s transition from innovation to large-scale manufacturing. She highlighted BCNonwovens’ expertise in spunlace technology and its ability to support the commercialization of wool-based hygiene materials worldwide.

Marko Rajamaa, CEO of BCNonwovens, noted that Woolchemy’s approach introduces a promising new option for the nonwovens sector. He emphasized that wool can be integrated into existing spunlace production processes while providing unique functional benefits that help manufacturers differentiate their products in a competitive market.

Both companies share a commitment to reducing the use of fossil-based plastics in disposable hygiene products. As demand grows for environmentally responsible materials, the industry is increasingly exploring renewable alternatives that can support circular economy objectives.

Woolchemy’s materials are produced using ethically sourced New Zealand wool that is vegetarian certified and contains a significant proportion of bio-sequestered carbon. These characteristics make the solution particularly attractive for brands seeking more sustainable material options.

The two companies plan to continue customer trials and commercial evaluations in the coming months, with the intention of establishing a long-term supply agreement once technical and commercial requirements have been successfully achieved.