The Woolmark Company is exploring the large market in India for wool, by tapping the unexplored markets in sports wear and yoga sector, a top company official said.

India imported about seven to eight percent of Australian wool, Merino, while China imported nearly 75 to 80 percent, even as the use of wool in the textile sector was just two percent globally, Woolmark Company Country Manager (India), Arti Gudal said. She was addressing the media on the sidelines of a workshop on wool held recently at nearby Tirpur.

Dispelling popular myth that woolen garments are suited only for cooler climates, Arti said that wool has trans-seasonal benefits and can be used even in summer. She also said that there was tremendous potential for wool in India, especially in sportswear and Yoga.

A section of 150 knitwear manufacturers, who attended the workshop, said they were willing to explore the possibility of enlarging their market with the use of woolen yarn and wool blended fabric in the manufacturing process. “The first product from Tirupur is likely to be introduced at least in November,” Arti said.

On price comparison, she said that wool was five times more expensive compared to cotton, which is sold at about Rs.300 per kg.