Woolmark unveils recent innovations, development

Amritsar: The Woolmark Company today unveiled its most recent innovations and developments in wool at an information and fashion-forward presentation here today.

For the first time, partners and manufacturers had an exclusive opportunity to experience and interact with The Wool Lab Sport, a part of the spring/summer 2018 edition.

The Wool Lab Sport is the foundation for cutting-edge active wear and showcases latest innovative, commercially available Merino wool fabrics, a perfect mix for performance and at leisure apparel.

In the past decade, wool’s penetration in outdoor and sports apparel market has been remarkable and continues to grow. Riding the wave of increasing trend, at leisure blurs the line between fashion and active wear, with the latter being used in a non-active, casual way with a modern, stylish look.

The Woolmark Company country manager (India), Arti Gudal said, “As we move into the coming year, our strategy has a strong focus on the sportswear and at leisure segment. The company is currently working on new innovations that truly showcase how versatile Merino wool is in the sportswear category with its very specific requirements.”

“Merino wool’s natural benefits teamed with technical innovations are driving the demand for the fibre in the active wear market,” he added.

The presentation showcased designs in menswear and women wear from the two designers, Nachiket Barve, and Bounipun. The duo spoke about their experience of designing with Merino wool. Bounipun also shared details of their journey and how they had seamlessly incorporated wool in their collection that they presented at the International Woolmark Prize 2017. He also described going forward and how they would infuse wool in their future collections as the preferred fibre of choice.

New cooking oil launched

A cooking oil was launched by the UMPL, a herbal company, here today. The company claims that the oil will not only help in treatment of many diseases, but also double the taste of food.

The cooking oil, “Olivrice” was launched here today by Param Hans and Sant Milkha Singh Riyar. The managing director, Tara Singh Uppal, director Daljeet Kaur Uppal and the company’s CEO, Baljeet Singh, said, “The cooking oil has 70 per cent of rice bran oil and 30 per cent of olive oil. This oil is certified by the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI). It is helpful in prevention of diabetes, cancer, heart ailments.”

In a study conducted by National Institute of Nutrition and Indian Council of Medical Research, the rice bran oil showed greater reduction in bad cholesterol in comparison to groundnut oil, which has the fatty acid profile.

Sparing a thought for a social cause, Uppal announced that some quantum of profit from “Oliverice” would be diverted to meritorious schoolchildren, who had little resources to continue their education.

He said, “We have decided to help them in their education. For this, we have constituted a panel that will approach government schools in this part of the region and identify needy school children.”

Uppal said he had started the firm in 2004 as a door-to-door marketing boy. “Thereafter, I incorporated some likeminded people from my acquaintance, who were jobless. With a dedicated team, today I am able to employ around 700 young men and women, who look after our work in northern India,” he said.

Company CEO Baljeet Singh said he was just plus two when he joined Uppal’s vision in 2004. Firm director, Daljit Kaur, said, “Similarly, around 225 girls were trained in marketing and other jobs related to direct sales. Today, they are self reliant and confident enough not to be dependent on others.” — TNS