7 Jul 2011

Disposable woollen nappies mooted

12:49 pm on 7 July 2011

Disposable woollen nappies are one of the potential new uses for wool that will get some financial help from a farmer levy fund.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand has distributed more than $500,000 left over from a former wool levy fund to seven entrepreneurial wool projects.

Beef + Lamb says it's chosen ideas showing the greatest potential to increase returns to the wool industry and farmers.

One of the recipients is a Wellington-based family business, Potroz-Smith Technologies.

It's developing a super absorbent wool-based material called NatraZorb, to be used in disposable nappies, personal hygiene and wound care products that are chemical free and biodegradable.

Director Derelee Potroz-Smith says the potential wool use in those products is huge.

Mrs Potroz-Smith says the idea had its beginnings on the family farm in Taranaki.

The company is working with AgResearch on the project and aims to have the first product sample ready by Christmas.