| |
Australia : Global woolen mills undertake survey for Merino Dark Medullated Fibre contamination risk |
|
2004-8-16
|
 |
A major concern for Australia’s Merino wool industry is the global perception about the increase in contamination of Australian wool clip by Dark and Medullated Fibre (DMF).
To get down to the problem solution, Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) is conducting a survey of the world''s key processing mills.
The survey, which is part of a four-pronged DMF contamination plan involving the introduction this month of the Merino Dark and/or Medullated Fibre Risk (DMFR) rating vendor declaration scheme, the development of a low cost, automated pre-sale test for DMF and random 12-month screening of the Australian clip.
According to AWI Project Manager Tom Drummond, the first stage of the survey saw interview 25 mills in Australia, Asia, India, Western and Central Europe and the United States of America during March and May to gauge their understanding of DMF issues.
"There have been anecdotal reports of increased DMF contamination in Australian Merino wool," Mr Drummond said.
"Australia''s world renowned reputation for having a relatively contaminant-free Merino wool clip needs to be protected.
"Therefore, if there is a DMF problem, we need to know where it is coming from, why it is occurring and if it is in fact Australian wool causing problems for processors."
Each mill visited would now supply top samples of every lot processed over a six-month period. A selection of the samples will be sent to CSIRO for independent comparison testing on DMF and the results analysed.
Drummond said the survey included understanding the current situation within all the mills on DMF and a subset of mills will supply historical data to determine if there has been a change in DMF levels over time.
"Wool types and country of origin will be part of this analysis. Each mill has been allocated a reference letter to protect their commercial interests by ensuring confidentiality and a free flow of information," he said. |
|
|
|
|
|
浙公網安33010602010414
