Australian Wool Innovation Grants Woolmark Authorisation to Intertek Textile Testing Facility

‘Woolmark’ brand ensures highest quality and performance

Intertek, a leading provider of quality and safety solutions to a wide range of industries worldwide, is now authorised by Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI) to conduct Woolmark testing of apparel textile products.

AWI presented the authorisation certificate to Mr. David Horlock, Global VP-Audits & Inspection, Intertek and Mr. Dilip Gianchandani, Regional Director, Consumer Goods-Intertek today at the AWI office in Delhi.

The Woolmark symbol on a product indicates the product contains pure new wool, and has passed rigorous quality and performance testing.

The enhanced certification ability for Intertek’s Gurgaon laboratory will provide both exporters and manufacturers with the benefit of local accessibility and the valuable opportunity to achieve a license for Woolmark and associated brands. Prior to the AWI authorisation, products had to be shipped to overseas facilities for testing purposes.

“The accreditation has not only added another feather to Intertek’s profile but also strengthened the confidence of our customers,” said Mr. Dilip Gianchandani, Regional Director, Consumer Goods-Intertek. “The value of the Woolmark brand is established the world over. As consumers increasingly reach for environmentally friendly products, the mark will help our textile customers meet elevated market expectations,” he added.

Increased demand for quality wool products drives the need for the high standards set by The Woolmark Company. The Woolmark symbol is recognised as the single largest and trusted mark of quality in woolen products around the world.

“With the world-class infrastructure and facilities at Intertek’s testing lab in Guragon, we are confident in Intertek’s ability to meet the required standards and guidelines for AWI authorisation,” AWI Country Manager, India Subhasis Banerjee, said. “Besides the cost involved in sending the products for testing, there is also an issue of time. As lead times shrink, it is all the more important to have testing facilities in India,” he added.

India is the second largest importer of Australian wool in the world today, importing about 20 million kgs of wool (clean) annually.

About Intertek:

Intertek (ITRK.L) is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world. From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated to adding value to customers' products and processes, supporting their success in the global marketplace. Intertek has the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 26,000 people in over 100 countries around the world.

About Australian Wool Innovation:

Established in 2001, AWI is a not-for-profit company owned by over 29,000 wool levy payers who have registered as AWI shareholders. AWI’s primary role is to manage innovation, marketing, sales, and research and development (R&D) to increase the long term profitability of Australian woolgrowers. The company invests along the global supply chain for Australian wool – from the fibre to fashion – from woolgrowers through to retailers.

For further information, please visit www.intertek.com or contact Madhumita Guha , Intertek @ 9868929561 / Ranjit Sasi +91 9008688955 ranjit.sasi@intertek.com