European Wool Day 2026: Building Value for Wool
Future Island-Island was proud to support and participate in European Wool Day 2026 in Tralee, Co. Kerry. This event brought together over 1,000 attendees from across farming, craft, design, research, and industry.
Professor Alison Gault and Anna Duffy (Ulster University), alongside project partner Kate Drury (Sustainable Rope Ltd), presented their work on developing a traceable system for Rathlin Island wool. Their contribution formed part of the conference exhibition, including talks and a panel discussion “From Source to Consumer: Building Value in Wool”, chaired by Alison Gault. The strong public engagement at the Future Island-Island exhibition stand, reflected growing interest in sustainable, traceable wool systems and the potential of design-led products.
Alison Gault’s presentation, “Future Island–Island and the Story of Rathlin Island Wool”, outlined a traceable, design-led approach to transforming low-value wool into high-value, place-based products. Kate Drury’s presentation, “From Fibre to Marine Use”, demonstrated how wool can be developed into biodegradable rope for the kelp industry as part of the FII fellowship programme.
A key milestone was the launch of the Irish Grown Wool Almanac by Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP, produced through the Future Island-Island programme in partnership with the Irish Grown Wool Council. This publication maps the all-island wool ecosystem, connecting producers, processors, designers, and researchers to support a circular and regenerative textile economy.
The event also contributed to wider policy conversations, and recently Maria Walsh MEP speaking to the European Parliament highlighted that wool remains undervalued and classified as a waste byproduct under EU legislation, despite its environmental and agricultural benefits, and called for policy change to better support the sector.
European Wool Day 2026 demonstrated a shared momentum for change. Through collaboration, research, and advocacy, Future Island–Island continues to support a more resilient, sustainable future for wool.
Check out the full programme here: https://ewe.network/ewd2026-program/