Peter Ackroyd, MBE has been appointed as the Chairman of the Campaign for Wool, replacing Sir Nicholas Coleridge, CBE with immediate effect. Coleridge will step down as Chair after fourteen years to focus on his new role as the 43rd Provost of Eton College and Chair of Historic Royal Palaces.

Ackroyd, formerly COO of Campaign for Wool, has also been with the organisation since 2009 following a successful textile career spanning some 50 years, and which has seen him act as President of the International Wool Textile Organisation, and Global Strategic Advisor for Australian Wool Innovation/Woolmark Company. Ackroyd has worked tirelessly in wool since the 1970’s on business development, the roll out of key wool research and innovation projects, and marketing and the promotion of yarns and fabrics worldwide.  He is widely respected for his global experience in the yarn, woollen and worsted fabric sector.

Sir Nicholas commented: “I took on the role of Chairman initially thinking it would be for about three or four years, and here I am fourteen years later! It has been an immensely enjoyable and rewarding assignment, but now it is time to hand over the reins. Who better than Peter to take over the role, having worked so closely with me for so many years? His knowledge of the international wool sector is unparalleled, and I know I am leaving the organisation in very safe hands.”

HM King Charles III continues as the organisation’s Patron. As a serious environmentalist, His Majesty believes strongly in wool's natural, sustainable, renewable and biodegradable attributes helping safeguard the planet for future generations.

Ackroyd will lend his considerable knowledge of the international wool sector to navigate the complex issues looming in the industry. He will collaborate closely with the IWTO on the challenge wool faces with the European Union’s Environmental Footprint (PEF) legislation. This methodology has the potential to underpin the recognised green claims, labelling wool as part of new legislation forming part of the EU’s new Digital Product Passports set to launch in 2026. The new framework does not adequately address critical environmental factors, including microplastic pollution, the renewability and biodegradability of natural fibres and the full environmental footprint of fossil fuel-based fibres.

Ackroyd said: “Never has there been a greater need for the wool-producing nations to come together and shout as loudly as they can about just how damaging synthetic fibres can be for the planet. At a point in time where experts and advocates widely agree that humans are generating waste worldwide at unmanageable and unsustainable levels, we are also seeing the proliferation of synthetic materials, coupled with disinformation and an escalation in greenwashing by fast-fashion retailers. This is alarming.”

The announcement follows one of the most successful years for the Campaign, which saw it galvanise activity with over 20 events and activities during Wool Month in October garnering over 3000 guests, spanning the farming community, manufacturers, knitters, designers, brands, innovators, retailers, carpet and interior companies and other textile sectors. A series of pop-up events took place, all with a consumer message of ‘Check it’s Wool’. The Campaign for Wool also embarked upon a 3-year-long collaboration with Aardman, which highlights British wool and New Zealand wool and wool’s natural benefits in flooring. This partnership will see Shaun the Sheep promote the message ‘Shaun Loves Wool, in the lifestyle sector, helping to educate consumers on why wool flooring is sustainable and good for the planet.

www.campaignforwool.org