Austrian wool yarn spinner Schoeller, in partnership with Australia’s The Merino Company (TMC), has developed a completely new technology called Enciel, which offers a range of brilliant wool colours and a white merino yarn with up to 160% better white standard.

“In the past the merino colours have often appeared dull or as yellowish off-white colours. For the first time ever, Schoeller and TMC developed the new patented Enciel technology.  The objectively measurable values prove a level of whiteness improved by up to 160% as compared with available market fabrics,” says Markus Krüger, Marketing Manager at Schoeller.

Merino wool is now a key topic in the field of functional and outdoor garments and socks and according to Schoeller, the fibre is winning buyers over by its high quality, sustainability, wearing comfort and functionality. For decades however, says Krüger, a technical limitation has been considered a serious drawback: “on the one hand, the colours often appearing dull and on the other hand, a yellowish off-white colour.”

For the first time ever, Schoeller and TMC were able to find a solution by developing the patented Enciel technology and as of now, merino wool is available in what the partners describe as a worldwide unrivalled premium white - the objectively measurable values prove a level of whiteness improved by up to 160% (Berger scale) as compared with the fabric appearance so far customary in the market.

“With the Enciel yarns by Schoeller a most brilliant colour spectrum is now available for wool and high quality wool blends ranging from intense cotton colours to splendid white,” adds Markus Krüger.

“The introduction of Enciel is leading the way in new design ideas, such as eye catching colour combinations, maritime stripes, lively coloured socks or functional shirts.”

Finished fabric and yarns in Enciel colours can be purchased directly from TMC - www.merinocompany.com.

According to Schoeller, colour fastness as well as wash fastness of products processed by the new technology are outstanding. “The innovative EXP 3.0 finishing is guarantor of ecofriendly washability and excellent wash-and-wear properties of the Enciel products. A certification of the yarn confirming its conformity with the strict bluesign® standard is possible,” concludes Markus Krüger.

www.schoeller-wool.com