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22 July 2025 Wool Reimagined: Innovation, Strength & the Future of Fibre

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SeriesVibe SeriesEvent

As New Zealand looks to breathe new life into its wool sector, the fusion of innovation, materials science, and sustainability is opening up exciting possibilities. In this Vibe session, we welcome Stewart Collie, Science Team Leader for Bioproduct and Fibre Technology at AgResearch, to share how science and technology are transforming the way we think about wool — from a traditional commodity to a high-performance, future-facing fibre.

Stewart will delve into the latest research in fibre durability and resistance, revealing how wool’s natural advantages are being enhanced through advanced testing, smart design, and new applications in technical and performance textiles. He’ll explore how these innovations are not only creating fresh market opportunities but also helping to reposition wool as a key player in a circular, bioeconomy.

Join us to hear how cutting-edge science is strengthening the performance of wool, expanding its potential uses, and unlocking greater value for Aotearoa’s fibre sector and land-based industries.

Tuesday 22nd July

4.00pm - 5.30pm

Mrs O’s Cafe, Lincoln University

Timings:

4:00pm – Arrival and networking

4:10pm – Welcome from Prof. Chad Hewitt, Provost, Lincoln University

4:15pm – Overview from Prof. Jon Hickford on what LU is doing in this space

4:20pm – Keynote presentation

4:45pm – Q&A

5:00pm – Networking

5:30pm – Event concludes

Our Speakers

Dr. Stewart Collie

AgResearch

Stewart Collie is a textiles and materials scientist and leads the Bioproduct and Fibre Technology research team in the AgResearch group of the newly formed Bioeconomy Science Institute. The team develops and characterises new materials including fibres, textiles, bioplastics and biocomposites from agricultural sources. Stewart has more than 25 years’ wool and textile research experience, having graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Textile Technology from the University of New South Wales, and several years later completing a PhD in Chemistry from Massey University. His current research interests are in sustainable wool processing/products, biodegradation of materials, and human-textile physiological interactions. He is also a member of the Bioresource Processing Alliance's Science Leadership Group – this is a research initiative that is focused on value addition to NZ’s secondary bioresource streams and boosting circularity in the primary sector.