New Zealand-based TMC, the owner of Nuyarn spinning technology, has been named sixth in Fast Company’s list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2022 for its development of Herculan wool.

Herculan has unique durability and performance benefits that for the first time open the door for wool to be used in high abrasion and high impact zones in apparel such as socks, footwear, gloves, pants, outerwear and many other potential applications, without succumbing to wear.

In addition to its extreme durability, Herculan has significantly better performance and comfort benefits than both natural wool (which is twisted) and some synthetic fibres alike.

Benefits include efficient moisture management and quick drying times, high volume, aeration, elasticity, and thermal retention, non-reflectivity, noise reduction, and odor-resistance.

This is due to Herculan’s unique yarn construction which is built by drafting carpet-grade strong wool cleanly around a performance filament without twisting or fraying.

It will simplify supply chains and encourage end users to waste less by making natural fibre garments that last longer and have superior performance benefits.

In Fast Company’s list, special attention was given to sustainable manufacturing processes like Herculan, which take advantage of materials that are overabundant, underutilised and are often cast aside.

“We are honored to be recognised by Fast Company,” said TMC CEO Andy Wynne. “It took five years to develop Herculan and we believe it will have a positive effect on the wool industry as well as helping deliver a new era of wool products that perform better and last longer.”

“The world’s most innovative companies play an essential role in addressing the most pressing issues facing society, whether they’re fighting climate change by spurring decarbonisation efforts, ameliorating the strain on supply chains, or helping us reconnect with one another over shared passions,” said Fast Company’s David Lidsky.

www.herculanwool.com