Utilization of Indian wool in decentralized sector: An overview

Wool has superior warmth, comfort and flame retardant properties. It is being used for manufacturing of premium apparels, carpets and upholsteries since early civilization of the society. With the change of time, synthetic fibre dominated the natural fibre including wool. It has replaced the wool in most of the applications due to cheaper price. However, wool is still an important fibre for textile industries in decentralized sector. The decentralized woollen sector plays an important role in linking the rural economy with the manufacturing woollen industry. This paper provides an overview of wool processing in decentralized sector of India. Possible interventions and research areas are suggested to improve the quality of woollen products as well as newer products produced thereof. There is a need to create innovations in the use of Indian wool for woollen products. New products like wool-based denim will increase consumption of Indian wool. Coarse wool may be explored as material for insulation, acoustical, construction, bulletproofing, automobile and paper industries and agriculture.