What Does the Woolmark Logo Mean?
Have you ever wondered what the Woolmark logo means when you see it on a knitted product, such as one of our Mackie accessories?
Some people assume it simply means a product is made from wool rather than synthetic fibres. Others may think it refers to a particular type of wool, such as lambswool, merino or Shetland. In fact, the Woolmark logo means that the product is Woolmark certified, confirming that the wool meets strict standards for quality and authenticity.
Who is Woolmark?
Woolmark is a global authority on wool, connecting farmers, wool producers, brands and consumers through a shared commitment to the quality and authenticity of wool.
They also support research, education and collaboration across the industry, helping to promote responsible environmental and ethical practices.
At Robert Mackie, we are proud to have been a Woolmark Licensee for many years. We work closely with Woolmark to certify our pure new wool products to their internationally recognised standards.
A Global Quality Assurance Programme
Woolmark certification applies rigorous testing to wool yarns, fabrics and finished products. The process checks key qualities including fibre composition, durability, washability and colourfastness.
This provides an additional level of assurance alongside our own high standards, helping you recognise products made from genuine, high-quality wool. All of our pure new wool products at Robert Mackie of Scotland are Woolmark certified as 100% pure new wool.
So, when you see the Woolmark logo on one of our hats, scarves or gloves, you can be confident that the wool has been tested to meet Woolmark's standards for quality and authenticity.
How Does Woolmark Test Its Products?
Woolmark testing involves independent laboratories assessing the yarn, fabric and finished product against a set of strict quality standards. This helps ensure the wool is authentic, performs well and is made to last.
Test 1: Wool Content
The first test of the wool certification process is to assess the properties and content of the wool to verify it is what it says it is.
Test 2: Colourfastness to Light
During this stage of the testing process the wool is exposed to extremely harsh light for up to 10 hours to ensure its colour lasts.
Test 3: Durability
Here the strength and lasting power of the wool is tested. It is pulled and stretched to its physical limits to test if its strength meets expectations. This part of the testing is very important as this stage indicates how your product will wear and last.
Test 4: Wash Testing
Wool is put through a rigorous and harsh wash to ensure no shrinkage or loss of shape.
Test 5: Colourfastness to Liquid
The final test falls off the back of the wash test and evaluates that the wool has not lost any of its colour after washing.
At the end of testing, all wool products that pass are categorised in to one of 3 categories:
Pure new wool – 100% new wool
Wool Rich Blend – 50-99.9% new wool
Wool Blend Performance – 30-49.9% new wool
At Robert Mackie, we are known for our luxury knitted lambswool accessories and have a reputation of our products always being high quality. This is why we see it not only beneficial, but important for us to work with Woolmark and their wool certification programme to ensure all of our pure new wool products meet their standards.
In doing this, and using the Woolmark logo on our pure new wool products, our customers know that not only are our hats, scarves & gloves up to the Robert Mackie standard, but they meet the global standard of Woolmark certification, the ultimate gold seal for quality wool products.