Win $1,000 and networking opportunities by the American Wool Council!
To enter the Reimagine Wool Digital Poster Contest, click here.
Entries due by January 1, 2026.
The American Sheep Industry Association and Wool Council are working to find uses for underutilized American wool. The primary objectives of this campaign are to:
- Find viable, marketable use for underutilized American wool (>25 micron)
- Create awareness of American Wool Properties and Uses.
- Generate ideas for new wool products, processes or tweaks on current products and processes.
- Promote American Wool.
- Develop new uses for unwashed wool.
- Grow value for American sheep producers.
- Reduce waste.
Contest Entry
Submissions should clearly explain:
- Your concept for a new wool use, twist on a current product, or a new method of processing.
- Why it is innovative or beneficial
- Potential market impact
- Basic feasibility path (how it could be made, used, or adopted)
Optional: visuals, diagrams, mockups, or material lists
Physical prototypes may be provided if selected as a finalist.
Judging Criteria:
- Product content must be at least 50% wool by weight.
- Innovation and creativity (original or twist on existing idea) 20%
- Feasibility (probability of commercial market application, practical) 50%
- Clarity (clearly explained and presented) 10%
- Design (aesthetically and functionally appealing) 10%
- Use of unwashed wool (embrace less expensive process) 10%
Finalists will be selected by a committee of the ASI Wool Council. These entries will be judged at the American Sheep Industry Association Convention by a People’s Choice Award in Reno, NV January 28-30, 2026.
Important Dates
|
January 1, 2026
|
Entries due
|
|
January 9, 2026
|
Finalists announced
|
|
January 28-30, 2026
|
People’s Choice voting at ASI Convention
|
|
January 30, 2026
|
Winner announced
|
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can enter? Anyone! Students, professionals, organizations, startups, manufacturers, etc. are all welcome.
Do I need a finished product? No. Concepts, ideas, processes and tweaks on current products are all eligible. You may prototype or a finished product if selected as a finalist, but it is not required.
Who and how will the entries be judged? A committee of the ASI Wool Council will narrow down the finalists. Finalists will be notified and their posters will be displayed at the American Sheep Council Convention in Reno, NV from January 28-30.
Do I need to print the poster for display? No, the American Wool Council will incur the cost of printing and displaying the posters.
When will finalists be announced? January 9, 2026
When and where will the winner be announced? January 30 at the ASI convention in Reno, NV
Must the finalists be present at the convention? No
How is unwashed wool currently used? Wool pellets, wool insulation, water purification and industrial absorbants with wool
Why is wool greater than 25 micron undervalued? Wool that is more than 25 micron is unsuitable for clothing but ideal for insulation soil health, and industrial applications
What are some characteristics of all wool? Breathable, biodegradable, flame-resistant, odor resistant, as well as being rich in nutrients such as nitrogen and sulfur. Wool can absorb about 30% of its weight in moisture. For more, visit www.americanwool.org/wool-101/science-of-wool/
How is wool processed? Wool is usually washed, sorted, carded, combed, and spun. Then wool can be felted, woven, knitted, and crocheted. For more, visit www.americanwool.org/wool-101/types-wool-processing/
Where can I find wool to experiment? Contact your nearest sheep producer neighbor, county or state extension service, state sheep association, or fiber mill.
Wool products that currently use wool greater than 25 micron:
*Home and Lifestyle–rugs, insulation, acoustic panels, stuffing, cleaning pads,
*Agricultural and Landscaping–erosion mats, mulch discs, pest-repellent products, equine blankets and wraps,
*Industrial and Technical–filtration, oil spill absorbents, protective padding for transport, heavy duty felt pads,
*Artisanal and Fashion Accessories–outerwear, bags and purses, gloves, craft kits, felting kits, slippers, shoes
*Medical–insulation containers for organ transport, bandages, wraps
