Gwnaed â Gwlân / Made with wool, a Menter Môn project focused on bringing Welsh Wool stakeholders together to realise the potential of wool, has celebrated a highly successful ‘Made with wool’ event at Gwersyll yr Urdd Glan‑llyn, Bala. The event, held and organised in partnership between Menter Môn and LanoTech Ltd, brought together a large and enthusiastic audience to highlight the rich potential of Welsh wool sector, from its cultural heritage to its role in future sustainable industries.

As part of the programme, LanoTech founder Clodagh Weingart showcased the company’s groundbreaking work transforming lanolin, the natural grease found in British wool, into a sustainable alternative to soy and vegetable oils in animal feed. Their innovative product has demonstrated higher energy content and improved stability compared to conventional feed oils, highlighting an exciting new avenue for adding value to British wool.

The day featured compelling presentations and panel discussions from leading industry figures, including professors from Leeds University, covering the history of the wool sector, innovative product development, alternative uses, and the future challenges and opportunities facing farmers, makers and businesses. Attendees engaged in lively discussion sessions, demonstrating strong appetite for collaboration and for harnessing wool’s value across the supply chain.

Elen Parry, Cylchol Project Manager at Menter Môn, said:
“We were thrilled to see so many people come together to celebrate the richness and potential of Welsh wool. The enthusiasm in the room, from industry experts to families trying out workshops for the first time, shows just how strong the appetite is for a more sustainable, circular future.

“Wool is an extraordinary resource, and events like this help us reimagine its value while strengthening the collaborations that will shape the sector for years to come. We’re incredibly proud of what the Wool Cluster is achieving, and excited to keep building on this momentum and our partnership with LanoTech”

Throughout the event, visitors were able to network with stallholders and organisations including the National Wool Museum, AberInnovation, Leather UK, Bulmer & Lumb and Cwmni Pum Plwy Penllyn, who showcased everything from traditional craft to cutting‑edge products. The day also featured an exhibition celebrating Bala’s historic sock‑knitting tradition, highlighting the deep roots of wool in the area’s culture and identity.

Creative and family‑friendly workshops allowed participants to explore wool hands‑on, including felting, weaving, dyeing and storytelling through podcast creation with Cwmni Pum Plwy Penllyn. These activities demonstrated wool’s versatility as well as the thriving skills base emerging across communities in Wales.

Clodagh Weinagart from LanoTech Ltd said:
“Partnering with Menter Môn and the Made with Wool project on this event has been a powerful reminder of how much potential lies within the Welsh wool sector. The passion, innovation and collaboration we witnessed at Glan‑llyn show that wool can play a major role in building a more sustainable and resilient future for Wales.

“We’re proud to support work that not only honours the heritage of wool but also drives new technologies and applications that keep this natural resource in circulation for longer.”

The success of the Glan‑llyn event reflects a growing movement in Wales to recognise wool as a strategic national asset with both cultural and economic importance. Menter Môn and LanoTech extends its thanks to all speakers, partners, stallholders, workshop leaders and attendees whose contributions made the celebration a standout moment for the sector.

For more information about the Wool Cluster, Cylchol or future events, contact gwlan@mentermon.com.