Experts from across the textile sector came together recently to introduce premium Australian Merino wool to Bangladesh’s textile and garment industry.
The week-long program showcased how Australian wool can be processed using Bangladesh’s existing ready-made garment (RMG) infrastructure to support higher-value, sustainable production for global brands.
Sharing Australian wool expertise and innovation
The week began with an Australian Wool Seminar, hosted by Austrade in collaboration with The Woolmark Company and Michell Wool. The seminar brought together 150+ textile industry stakeholders from across Bangladesh’s spinning, knitting, weaving and garment manufacturing segments.
Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle opened the event. She highlighted Australia’s growing partnership with Bangladesh in sustainable, high-value fibres and the role of wool in supporting responsible and higher-margin production.
A technical session led by Deakin University’s Institute for Frontier Materials showcased eqwools™ – a technology that allows 100% Merino wool to be spun on conventional cotton systems. This Australian innovation means Bangladeshi mills can work with Merino wool without significant new capital investment, opening a practical pathway to incorporate Australian wool into mainstream production.
Austrade and the Australian High Commission also hosted a networking reception, bringing together Australian wool industry representatives and senior leaders from Bangladesh’s textile and apparel sector. The reception:
- showcased premium Australian Merino wool fabrics and garments
- highlighted the versatility and sustainability credentials of Australian wool
- provided a platform for targeted business discussions around sourcing, processing and product development
- launched the Wool Study Report Bangladesh, providing data-driven insights into current wool usage, supply patterns and market potential.
The combination of technical content, market intelligence and direct networking led to several concrete conversations about trial orders, blend development and collaboration on sustainable product lines.
Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle with Austrade, The Woolmark Company and the Michell Wool team.
Future opportunities for Australian exporters
Bangladesh is the world’s second largest exporter of garments and is actively diversifying its product mix to move into higher-value segments. It mirrors Australia’s own diversification priorities and represents a strong commercial fit for Australian Merino wool.
The wool program has led several Bangladeshi buyers to explore Australian Merino wool for blending with cotton and human-made fibres in export-oriented production.
Manufacturers have also expressed interest in working with Australian suppliers at different stages of the wool-processing chain to improve cost efficiency and product performance.
Looking ahead, long term opportunities exist for:
- spinners and mills – to trial Australian wool and wool blend yarns using eqwools™ and other technologies on existing machineryblend yarns using
- garment manufacturers – to develop higher margin knitwear, suiting and casualwear for global brands using Australian Merino woolmargin knitwear, suiting and casualwear for global brands using Australian Merino wool
- Australian exporters – to position Bangladesh as a key processing and manufacturing hub for Australian wool in South Asia, supporting diversified end markets beyond traditional destinations.
Austrade will continue working with The Woolmark Company, Michell Wool and other Australian suppliers to convert the interest generated during Wool Week into sustained commercial outcomes.
Followup activities will focus on technical trials, buyer–seller matching and leveraging Bangladesh’s RMG strengths to deliver value for Australian producers.
Showcasing sustainable fashion
Austrade and The Woolmark Company also participated in the Bangladesh Denim Expo.
Deputy High Commissioner Clinton Pobke formally opened the Australian wool showcase. The presence of Australian wool at the Expo reinforced the message that Merino wool is not only a premium fibre, but a practical and commercially relevant option for Bangladesh’s export-oriented manufacturers looking to meet the evolving sustainability requirements of global buyers.
Austrade remains committed to strengthening collaboration between Australian premium Merino wool producers and Bangladesh’s textile and garment industry. The aim is to turn this first dedicated push into a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership.
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