A project led by Deakin University’s Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM) is among the first recipients of a $1.5 million Climate Fund grant from Australian lifestyle brand Country Road.
Mud to Marle, a fashion industry collaboration conducted by Full Circle Fibres, seeks to foster on-shore manufacturing capabilities and circular production systems within Australia.
Focused on turning low-value wool fibre into a high-value product, the project will pilot and test proof of concept end-to-end on-shore manufacturing, including spinning, knitting, weaving, and dyeing in Australia.
Mud to Marle involves local fibre producers, including Geelong Textiles, Geelong Dryers Ridgehaven, and Australian Super Cotton. The initiative will revolve around circularity and climate using “waste” wool fibres. It also aims to support local production and low-impact production methods.
The project will receive $147,000 through the Climate Fund, which it will use to fund production, including the sourcing of raw fibre, dyeing, spinning, knitting, and weaving, as well as sampling.
Additionally, Country Road will serve as Mud to Marle’s industry mentor, providing the project team with guidance and feedback throughout the process.
The IFM project is among three projects that will share the Climate Fund, which targets initiatives that seek to create a positive climate impact. It joins Landcaree Australia’s Unlocking Emissions Reductions in the Fashion Industry Supply Chain and Trust for Nature’s Working with Wool Growers to Protect Plains-wanderer Grassland Habitat.
Elle Roseby, managing director of Country Road, said the brand looks forward to supporting 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,” Roseby said.
For more information about Country Road’s Climate Fund, visit countryroad.com.au.
