Mud to Marle

Mud to Marle is an industry collaboration led by B Corp-certified social-enterprise Full Circle Fibres, alongside Deakin University and local fibre producers including LoomTex; Ridgehaven, NSW (wool grower); and Australian Super Cotton, QLD (cotton grower).

Mud to Marle will focus on turning lower-value, shorter off-cut wool fibre into a high value product by combining it with premium cotton. The project will pilot and test proof of concept end-to-end on-shore manufacturing, including spinning, knitting, weaving and dyeing in Australia.

Full Circle Fibres founder and project leader Meriel Chamberlin says circularity and climate is central to this project, which in addition to using ‘lower value,’ wool fibres, will support local production and low impact production methods. The long-term aim of this project is to grow on-shore manufacturing capabilities and circular production systems within Australia.

The $147K Climate Fund grant will contribute towards production, including the sourcing of raw fibre, dyeing, spinning, knitting and weaving as well as sampling. The low footprint benefits will be calculated from measuring and obtaining detailed data of the water, energy and logistical footprint for the whole chain. The need for calculating carbon footprints and offsetting is mitigated by designing products and supply chains with a low carbon footprint.

Elle Roseby, managing director of Country Road, said the brand is excited to support the first year of Climate Fund grant recipients in driving positive change.

‘We believe that partnerships are key to tackling industry-wide challenges and driving deep, long-term change. We are thrilled to be able to support those driving innovation at the grassroots level, and look forward to working alongside the first three finalists.’