The Innovation in Wool Awards are open for 2025, continuing the mission to highlight commercial innovation in wool.The 2024 Innovation in Wool Awards was a resounding success, attracting increased entries and showcasing an impressive selection of finalists. Established in 2018, the awards continue to recognise innovative advancements in wool related projects and technologies. Since its inception, the awards have attracted a diverse array of wool-centric innovations and each year the entries are meticulously reviewed, with the top entries being shortlisted and judged in September.The awards are supported by The Woolmen's Company Charitable Incorporated Organisation, The Company of the Merchants of the Staple of England Charitable Trust, and The Worshipful Company of Clothiers, Worcester, in collaboration with the Campaign for Wool.About the awardsWith a total prize money of £30,000, one, or more award(s) will be allocated to innovations that are commercially ready projects, or businesses, that include one, or more, of the following:Offer value to British wool farmingInclude British wool fibreUse British manufacturingIndicate the potential wool volume used in year one and future years scaling-up volumesThe judging panel will have the discretion to make Award(s) to entrants deemed commercially viable and ready for market production.Recognising the need to focus on projects with commercial viability, the 2023 brief and criteria were refined to ensure only companies at a commercially-ready stage were eligible to enter. Commercial projects which showcase wool in new or novel, inspirational and innovative uses or applications, which can be based on apparel, interior, building industry, insulation, agricultural, aquaculture or other scientific wool applications.Dame Mary Archer joined the judging panel as Chair in 2022, serving alongside distinguished representatives from The Woolmen's Company Charitable Incorporated Organisation, The Staple, The Worcestershire Clothiers, and the Campaign for Wool. Dame Mary, an Honorary Liveryman of the Fuellers' Company and an Honorary Member of the Salters' Company has continued her support since 2022 and will be the lead-judge once again in 2025.Key criteriaIt is important to demonstrate genuine innovation and offer a commercially viable application using wool as the principal product.The projects should be commercially ready for market, or already in-market/in production.Branding, packaging and marketing of product(s) should be in place, along with any patents.Full research, trials and business plans should be in place and submitted with the entry.Key datesThe deadline for entries is 20 July 2025Judging Day and Shortlist Presentations in London 16 SeptemberAwards announcement 16 September, immediately following the judgingFIND OUT MORE AND APPLY
