Strömma wool collection – we collect Swedish wool!

Strömma wool collection is the project where wool, and how to make use of this material, is in focus. Strömma Agricultural Center is an agricultural high school with national intake for young people interested in animals, nature, and technology – and here, for several years, they have worked with sheep and wool. Perhaps that is why, in 2022, they were contacted by the Agricultural Society of Västra, who wondered if they wanted to participate in starting a wool collection at the school. The school jumped at the question and thus laid the foundation for this project.

Why wool collection?

The production and consumption of lamb are steadily increasing in Sweden, but the amount of wool that is utilized does not quite keep up with the development. Much of the wool produced is discarded by breeders or sold at a loss, which is a shame since wool is a valuable – and not least environmentally sustainable – natural material. Making use of the wool may seem obvious, but according to Strömma Agricultural Center, which has had discussions with sheep farmers, it is difficult for an individual sheep owner to get started with wool collection because it occurs on too small a scale. The idea that agricultural high schools can function as hubs for wool collection could therefore be a solution to the problem.

At Strömma Agricultural Center, there is knowledge and willingness to host a storage facility for wool, there are also sheep and proximity to the company Sätila of Sweden, which could use the wool in its production. The project aims to get started with the storage, therefore, they will adapt facilities, train staff, and arrange seminars for sheep owners so that they know how to handle the wool in connection with shearing. Additionally, marketing efforts and developing a business model are included so that more can adopt the concept in an easy way. 

Cut from the application

”Wool is a fantastic and sustainable biological material that is largely thrown away after the sheep are sheared – and instead, we use fossil materials. That is not sustainable.”

The board's decision justification

The application aligns well with the Leader Sjuhärad strategy. The project is based on sustainable business development, is well anchored, and creates circular flows.