WOOLMARK SPECIFICATIONSPECIFICATION IB-2: 2016
WOOL-FILLED OR LAYERED BEDDING PRODUCTS
PRODUCTS

Woolmark labelling may be applied to the products listed below provided they meet the requirementsof this specification.
•

Quilts, comforters, duvets and over-futons
These products shall have a wool layer between outer layers of woven fabric that may be wool oranother fibre (including sleeping bags).

•

Under-quilts, under-blankets and bed pads
These products shall have a wool layer filling. This category also includes products that have, in
addition to the wool layer, a 100% new wool pile fabric cover on one or both sides of the quilt.
Such products may have elasticised skirt with which to fit the under-quilt to the mattress.

•

Protective mattress covers
These products are differentiated from under-quilts and under-blankets. Such products must be
quilted and may have a water impermeable layer. The upper side of the mattress cover may nothave a pile on the upper layer that must be quilted. These products must have elasticised skirt
with which to fit the cover to the mattress.

•

Under-futons•

Mattresses incorporating wool layers
This category includes ‘folding mattresses’ and ‘folding mattresses with a non-wool core’ as usedin Asia and products with a 100% wool sliver-knit top. If the mattress has a top layer of wool pilefabric, it is not necessary that a wool layer is also present within the mattress structure.

•

Pillows
This category includes the following products:• pillows with a wool filling that may be a wool layer or wool knops• pillows with a 100% new wool sliver-knit pile fabric cover. Such products may also have a nonwool filling.
Pillows with a conventional wool fabric cover (woven or knitted or non-woven) but a non-wool
filling are not eligible for Woolmark.

•Pillow covers
These products must be detachable and quilted with a wool layer.

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Woolmark Blend labelling may be used on the products listed below where those products containat least 50% wool blended with a non-wool natural fibre or a bi-component, low melt sheath polyester.
The products must be machine washable and meet the other criteria listed in this specification:• quilts (including sleeping bags)• under-quilts, under-blankets, futons and under-futons• mattress covers• mattress protectors• bed pads
• pillow covers.
Blends of wool with other core-sheath fibre types (low temperature melt sheath and high temperature
melt core) must be submitted to the Woolmark Management Group for approval.
The following products are not eligible for Woolmark Blend labelling:• sliver-knit pile covers, unless the product has a wool-containing layer that meets the criteria in thisspecification (in such products, the pile must be 100% wool)• pillows• mattresses (not including futon) with wool layers.
Specifications for Woolmark Blend labelled products are the same as those for Woolmark, except
where indicated.
Wool Blend labelling may not be used on bedding products covered by this specification.

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MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS (ALL PRODUCTS IRRESPECTIVE OF CARE CLAIM)
Test
methodProperty
Woolmark
Wool content of filling, layer(s) or pile (as appropriate)

Woolmark Blend
Fibre content of filling or layer(s)Wool content: minimum

Pass level

155

Pure New Wool(see specification F-1, F-2, F-3 or F-4 for details as
appropriate)

155

50% new wool

Non-wool fibre content:

Up to 50% new fibre (see specification sheet F-5)

Product dimensions

Equal to or greater than the stated dimensions on the label.

Weight of wool in filling or layer (g/m²: minimum)
Quilts, comforters, duvets, over-futons
Normal weight

350

Lightweight quilts,

250

Super lightweight

150

Under-quilts, under-blankets and bed pads
With plain covers
With pile covers
Under-futons: wool filled (used instead of a mattress)

500
300 (wool layer), 200 (pile)
13

1000

Mattresses – wool containing layer
One side or both sides – each
Wool pile mattress top

500
500

Protective mattress cover (quilited)

150

Pillows
With plain covers
With wool-filled quilted covers

1500
1000

Pillow covers

150

Felted layers (Woolmark only)600

Non recoverable extension (% maximum)248

DCM extractable matter of wool in filling or layer (and pile if
appropriate) (%: maximum)

136

Vegetable matter in wool in filling or layer (%: maximum)
Mean fibre length in wool layer, under body products
only (mm: minimum)
Mattress
Futons
Products other than Mattresses and Futons
Entanglement and Felting (grade)(1 x 7A cycle)•

4
Woolmark: dichloromethane:
Woolmark Blend containing polyester, methanol
All other Woolmark Blend: dichloromethane:

IWTO 19

0.7

IWTO-05

35
60
45

274

Not worse than 3–4

All tables must also be read in conjunction with the notes that follow

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1.0
1.0
1.0

NOTES
1. Product dimensions
Actual product dimensions must be measured and must be equal to (or greater than) the stateddimensions on the label.
2. Woolmark TM155: Wool content
Woolmark Blend labelled products must be machine washable.
3. Woolmark TM13: Weight of wool in filling or layer-2
Woolmark Blend mattresses—the wool containing layer(s) must contain a minimum of 500gm of-2)wool (eg for 80% wool content layer; total layer weight 625gm .
Super lightweight and Lightweight products must be permanently labelled to indicate lightweight orsuitable for summer use.
-2
Products with a pure new wool felted layer must have a minimum wool weight of 600gm .
4. Woolmark TM248: Non-recoverable extension
Felted wool layers only. The performance of felted wool layers is closely related to theconstruction and the felting or finishing of the fabric. Problem fabrics may include one or more of
the following elements: (a) insufficient consolidation and (b) over-raised surface.
The general effect of these parameters is a reduction in product durability and high values of nonrecoverable extension. If a test specimen fails before a load of 98.1N is reached, the specimen
must be considered as a failure.
5. Woolmark TM136: DCM extractable matterIn the case of Woolmark Blend products containing polyester, the solvent used must be methanol
since dichloromethane extract will give an incorrect (high) result due to extraction of low molecularweight polymer from the polyester. For all other Woolmark Blend products, dichloromethane must
be used.
Knop-filled products
Wool knops that have been processed with certain types of additive treatment may give results
greater than the permitted maximum, as these additives may be removed in addition to the oils
present. In these cases, a figure greater than the maximum of 0.5% may be allowed providing thesample does not smell of oil.
6. IWTO-05 and IWTO-19
The latest version of IWTO test methods shall be used.
7. Woolmark TM274: Entanglement and felting
This test is applied to knop-filled pillows only.

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ADDITIONAL MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR PRODUCTS (INCLUDING MATTRESSES)
WITH A 100% NEW WOOL PILE FABRIC COVER
Property

Test method

Pass level
Sliver knit products:
All other fabrics:

Surface pile weight: minimum (gm-2: minimum)

277

Pile density function (p2/100t: minimum)

285

Pile height (mm: minimum)

279

Sliver knit products:
All other fabrics:

Appearance retention (appearance change: pile)287

Acceptable

Percentage pile (%: minimum)

289

100

Colourfastness to rubbing – wet and dry (grade: minimum)

165

3–4

•

250
200

80
7
5

This table must be read in conjunction with the notes that follow.

NOTES
1. Labelling
Products with a pure wool pile may be labelled ‘Pure New Wool Pile’ or ‘Pure New Wool Filling’.
2. Woolmark TM277: Surface pile weightNo additional note.
3. Woolmark TM285: Pile density function
Applicable to under-body products only.
4. Woolmark TM279: Pile thickness
No additional note
5. Woolmark TM287: Appearance retention
Determined after three dry clean cycles according to ISO 3175 ‘Normal’. In the absence of theequipment to conduct ISO3175, three commercial dry clean test (CDT) cycles may be usedinstead.
6. Woolmark TM289: Percentage pile
In the case of under-body products, the use of a no-pile area for a pillow is permitted. The surface
pile weight must be calculated on the pile area only. All such samples must be submitted to The
Woolmark Management Group for approval.
7. Woolmark TM165: Colourfastness to rubbing
This test is required only for colour products darker than 1/12 standard depth.

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ADDITIONAL MANDATORY REQUIREMENT FOR DRY CLEAN ONLY PRODUCTS
CARE CLAIM: DRY CLEAN ONLY
Property
Total dimensional change(% maximum)
Number and type of cycles:
3 × ISO3175 Normal or CDT
Appearance after three dry clean cycles: pile and/or
filling•TestmethodPass level

Product must not shrink below stated productdimensions, orWidth :
–5 < DC
Length:–5 < DC
Acceptable

This table must be read in conjunction with the notes that follow.

NOTES
1. Test ProcedureThree dry clean cycles according to ISO 3175 ‘Normal’ or equivalent for the commercial dry clean
test (CDT).
Actual product dimensions must be measured and must be equal to (or greater than) the stateddimension on the label. If a sample of the product is used in the test, the dimensions of suitable
markings on the specimen may be used to assess dimensional change in length and width.
–5 < DC indicates that the shrinkage should not be greater than 5%.
It is recommended that the sample size for Woolmark TWC-TM31, CDT is a single bed size
product (or its equivalent) but samples of 1.0 × 1.0m will be accepted. In the case of pillows, acomplete product must always be used.
2. Appearance after dry clean‘Acceptable’ indicates a minimal level of fibre clumping, felting and consolidation after dry
cleaning.
Filling. In assessing the acceptability of a product for a dry clean only, hand wash or machine
wash claim, the appearance of the filling before and after the specified cleaning or washingcycles will be considered.
Products with a pile fabric cover. In assessing the acceptability of a product for a dry clean
only, hand wash or machine wash claim, the surface appearance before and after the specified
cleaning or washing cycles will be considered.

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ADDITIONAL MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR HAND WASHABLE PRODUCTS
CARE CLAIM: Hand wash – flat dry or hand wash – line dry
Property

Test method

Pass level
Product must not shrink below stated product dimensions orWidth:–4 < DC
Length:–4 < DC

Relaxation dimensional change (%: maximum)
1 × 7A cycle

31

Felting dimensional change (%: maximum)
1 × 7A cycle

31

Width:
Length:–5 < DC–5 < DC

Knop filled pillows only
Total dimensional change (%: maximum)2 × 7A cycle

31

Width
Length–6 < DC–6 < DC

Colourfastness to wet alkaline contact
Change of colour (grade: minimum)
Stain wool (grade: minimum)

174

3-4
4

Colourfastness to hand washing
Change of colour (grade: minimum)
Stain wool (grade: minimum)

250

3–4
4

Afterwash appearance of filling2 × 7A cycles–

Acceptable

Afterwash appearance of pile
2 × 7A cycles

287

Acceptable

Entanglement and felting (grade)2 × 7A cycles

274

Not worse than 3-4

NOTES
1. Woolmark TM31: Dimensional stability–5 < DC indicates that the shrinkage should not be greater than 5%.
For products other than knop-filled pillows, only relaxation and felting dimensional change aremeasured. If a sample of the product is used in the test, the dimensions of suitable markings on
the specimen may be used to assess dimensional change in length and width.
For knop-filled products, 2 × 7A cycles are conducted and total dimensional change is measured.
2. Woolmark TM174: Colourfastness to wet alkali contact—
Multi-coloured products only.
3. Woolmark TM250: Colourfastness to hand washingThis test applies to coloured products only.
4. Woolmark TM287: Afterwash appearance of pile
Products with a pile fabric cover. In assessing the acceptability of a product for a dry clean only,
hand wash or machine wash claim, the surface appearance before and after the specified
cleaning or washing cycles will be considered. For testing of products with a pile fabric cover only,
acceptable is a satisfactory (minimal) afterwash level of fibre clumping, felting and consolidation.
5. TM274: Entanglement and felting
This test is applicable to knop-filled pillows only.

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ADDITIONAL MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR MACHINE WASHABLE PRODUCTS.
CARE CLAIM: machine wash – flat dry or machine wash – line dry
Property

Test method

Pass level
Product must not shrink below stated productdimensions, orWidth:–4 < DC
Length:–4 < DC

Relaxation dimensional change (%: maximum)
1 × 7A cycle

31

Felting dimensional change (%: maximum)
1 × 5A cycle

31

Width:
Length:– 5 < DC– 5 < DC

Knop-filled pillows only
Total dimensional change (%: maximum)
3 × 7A cycles

31

Width:
Length:–6 < DC–6 < DC

Entanglement and felting (grade)
3 x7A cycles

274

Not worse than 3–4

174

3–4
4
3–4

193

3–4
4
3–4

Afterwash appearance of filling(1 × 7A + 1 × 5A cycle)
Products other than knop filled pillows–

Acceptable

Afterwash appearance of pile
(1 × 7A + 1 × 5A cycle)
Products with a pile fabric cover only

287

Acceptable

Colourfastness to wet alkaline contact
Change of colour (grade: minimum)
Stain wool (grade: minimum)
Stain other fibre (main non-wool fibre in blend):
minimum
Colourfastness to machine washing
Change of colour (grade: minimum)
Stain wool (grade: minimum) \Stain other fibre (main non-wool fibre in blend):
minimum•

This table must be read in conjunction with the notes that follow.

NOTES
1. Woolmark TM31: Dimensional stability–5 < DC indicates that the shrinkage should not be greater than 5%.
It is recommended that the sample size for Woolmark TWC-TM31, CDT is a single bed size
product (or its equivalent) but samples of 1.0×1.0m will be accepted. In the case of pillows, acomplete product must always be used.
If the care claim required is machine wash or tumble dry, then the product to be labelled ‘Tumble
dry’ must be sent to the local office of the Woolmark Management Group, which will submit the
product to the designated Woolmark laboratory for testing and assessment of compliance to theappropriate specification. The product must be tumble dried after each wash cycle (7A or 5A)
required under the claim ‘Machine washable’.
2. Products other than knop-filled pillows
Only relaxation and felting dimensional change are measured. If a sample of the product is usedin the test, the dimensions of suitable markings on the specimen may be used to assess
dimensional change in length and width.
3. Knop-filled pillows
Only total dimensional change is measured using 3 × 7A cycles.
In assessing the acceptability of a product, the appearance before and after the washing anddrying cycle will be considered. The optional care claim ‘Tumble dry’ is not applicable to woollayered mattresses or wool layers for use in mattresses.

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4. Woolmark TM174: Colourfastness to wet alkali contact—
Multi-coloured products only.
5. TM193: Colourfastness to machine washingThis test applies to coloured products only.
Testing carried out according to Part A using standard detergent without perborate. Additionallabelling requirements must be observed to prevent problems that could arise when a detergent
containing bleach is used during machine washing of the bedding product. In this case, alltickets and labels attached to products must carry an advisory statement: ‘Wash using a
Woolmark approved detergent’ (or similar). Full details of these additional requirements areavailable from the Woolmark Management Group.
6. TM274: Entanglement and felting
Knop-filled pillows only.
7. TM287: Afterwash appearance of pile
Products with a pile fabric cover. In assessing the acceptability of a product for a dry clean only,
hand wash or machine wash claim the surface appearance before and after the specified
cleaning or washing cycles will be considered. For testing of products with a pile fabric cover
only (including a non wool filling)’, ‘acceptable is a satisfactory (minimal) after-wash level of fibreclumping, felting and consolidation.

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ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS – TEST AND REPORT ONLY
Property

Test method

Advisory level

Fibre bulk (cm3/g)

265

≥ 27

Filling bulk (cm³/g)

272

≤ 65

272/274272/2745030

Migration of fibre from the filling through the shell fabric

266

Pass

Percentage of kemp (fully medullated) fibre (%: maximum)

IWTO-85Filling performance• Bulk after TM274 (cm3 g–1: minimum)• Bulk loss after TM274 (%: maximum)•

This table must be read in conjunction with the notes that follow.

NOTES
1. Woolmark TM265: Fibre bulk
It is advised that for carded fillings, wool finer than 30µm should be shrink-resist treated. For
under-body bedding, it is advised that wools coarser than 27µm will give better resilience in use.
2. Woolmark TM272: Filling bulk
This test is conducted on knop-filled pillows only.
The performance characteristics of knop filling for pillows are assessed by comparison of theknop before and after the entanglement and felting test. This difference is minimised if theminimum bulk and maximum bulk loss requirements are met. It is advised that to achieve thenecessary performance, wools will need to be shrink-resist treated.
3. Woolmark TM274: Entanglement and felting
This test is conducted on knop-filled pillows only.
4. Woolmark TM266: Fibre migration
It is advised that a fibre migration test should be carried out on all finished products.
(Machine-washable products will be evaluated by the Woolmark Management Group to assess
fibre migration during washing.)
In general, high bulk wools give greater resistance to migration but the finer the fibre, irrespectiveof bulk, the more likely it is to migrate. Blends of wool containing kemp (fully medullated) or very
coarse fibre should be avoided.
–2
Cover fabrics of 110–150gm are common weights selected, and if fabric sets of more than 300
ends and 300 picks per 10cm are used, these should be suitable. It is advised that the use ofcover materials containing predominantly natural fibres (ie cotton or wool) will assist in maximising
the moisture management benefits of wool-filled bedding.
5. IWTO-8: Determination of kemp
Kemp is generally a chalky-white, brittle, weak fibre that may be mixed with normal fibres in asheep's wool fleece. Kemp fibres are often detached from the skin. This hair is not desirable in afleece as it does not accept dye, minimising both the quality and the value of the wool. It is easily
seen, as it does not look like normal wool fibres.
Kemp is medullated fibres having abnormally large diameters.
Test methods for the determination of medullation (med) and kemp fibres by projection
microscope may be used for the acceptance testing of commercial shipments of wool and otheranimal fibres, but caution is advised because only a few types of animal fibres have been
subjected to inter-laboratory tests to ascertain the precision of tests for med and kemp fibres by
this test method. Comparative tests may be advisable.
In case of a dispute arising from differences in reported test results when using test method
D2968 for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, the purchaser and the supplier should
conduct comparative tests to determine if there is a statistical bias between their laboratories.
Competent statistical assistance is recommended for the investigation of bias. As a minimum, theWOOLMARK SPECIFICATION
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two parties should take a group of test specimens that are as homogeneous as possible andwhich are from a lot of material of the type in question. The test specimens should then be
randomly assigned in equal numbers to each laboratory for testing. The average results from thetwo laboratories should be compared using student's t-test for unpaired data and an acceptableprobability level chosen by the two parties before testing is begun. If a bias is found, either its
cause must be found and corrected, or the purchaser and the supplier must agree to interpret
future test results in view of the known bias.
Knowledge of the incidence of med fibres and kemp fibres in wool and other animal fibres is ofimportance to manufacturers of woven or knitted fabrics because of the apparent dye resistanceand light reflectance qualities of these fibres. This is not to imply that all kemp fibres will resist dye
and all med fibres will accept dye normally. In practice, a proportion of kemp fibres will appear
normal after dyeing and a proportion of med fibres will appear chalky white after dyeing. From theperspective of visual and aesthetic problems, medullated fibres with an abnormally large diameterand a high degree of medullation are probably the worst kind.

Figure 1

Kemp fibres are highly medullated and have high fibre diameter. They may
also have a flattened appearance.

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Figure 2

The fibre described as kemp is on the left. The diameter of this fibre is muchlarger than the more normal wool fibre. Kemp may also be observed to havea different surface structure.

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ADDITIONAL NOTES
1.

INTERVENING LAYERS
1.1 Mattresses
There must be no intervening layer (other than those permitted in 1.2 and 1.3, below) between
the outer cover fabric and the wool layer. However, to assist in manufacture, a secondary layer
may be attached to the base of the wool layer.
1.2 Products other than mattresses
There must be no intervening layer (other than those permitted in 1.3, below) between the outer
cover fabric and the wool filling. However, to assist in manufacture of the final product, a retaining
scrim (or scrims) may be used with wool layers.
The maximum weight of this scrim material allowed is:
•
•

2.

3.

4.

2

30g/m of cotton or other cellulosic fibre
2

20g/m of other non-wool fibre.
1.3 All productsLightweight materials (maximum weights as in 1.2, above) may also be used to reduce problems
of fibre migration, as long as they are not fibrous batting and form no part of the filling.
FIBRE DIAMETERFor under-body bedding, it is advised that wools coarser than 27µm will give better resilience inuse.
DRY FELTING – UNDER-QUILTS AND UNDER-FUTONS
It is advised that wools for use in mattresses with a pile fabric top, under-quilts, under-futons
and pillows may have to be shrink-resist treated to avoid dry felting of the filling during use. It isadvised that for carded fillings, wool finer than 30µm should be shrink-resist treated to prevent
dry felting
DRY CLEAN, HAND WASHABLE OR MACHINE WASHABLE PRODUCTS
4.1 Sample for testing
Sample products must be submitted to the Woolmark Management Group for consideration.
If the fibre for carded wool fillings has been correctly selected and processed, all products
should be satisfactory for dry cleaning. However, if a product is to be labelled as machine
washable, wool fillings must be shrink-resist treated. Various loose stock shrink-resist
processes are available that may or may not be suitable for any particular type of wool fibre to
be used in the filling. It is advised that any process is carefully checked for degree andlevelness of application. In addition, after washing, the specimens will be examined for seam
puckering and external appearance change.
4.2
Appearance after washing or dry cleaning
4.2.1 Filling
In assessing the acceptability of a product for a dry clean only, hand wash or machine
wash claim, the appearance of the filling before and after the specified cleaning or
washing cycles will be considered.
4.2.2 Appearance of products with a pile fabric cover
In assessing the acceptability of a product for a dry clean only, hand wash or machine
wash claim, the surface appearance before and after the specified cleaning or washingcycles will be considered.
4.3
Non-wool primary and ticking covers
4.3.1 Filled bedding
Dimensional change of a washable product may be caused by dimensional change of
one component of the product; the component exhibiting dimensional change could beeither the wool filling or the non-wool primary cover (or may be caused by the stitching).
Dimensional change is measured for the complete product and no distinction is madebetween change caused by any individual component.

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5.

6.

7.

8.

9.
10.

11.

12.

In addition, the use of a synthetic fibre primary cover may detract from the moisturemanagement comfort properties of a wool-filled product and, depending on the weight,
thickness and moisture management properties of the overall product, may result inrefusal of the product to carry the Woolmark branding.
4.3.2 Mattresses
The use of a synthetic fibre ticking fabric may detract from the moisture management
comfort properties of a wool layered product and, dependent on the weight, thickness andmoisture management properties, may result in refusal of the product to carry the
Woolmark branding.
QUILTING
The fibre filling must be secured by stitching or other means so that it does not move about
within the product. The distance between lines of stitching should normally be less than 25cm
with lines of stitching in two directions. This is not applicable to mattresses or pillows without aquilted primary cover.
PILLOWS
Inner bags to contain the wool filling (inner bags containing filling held inside a primary cover)are permitted if they are of mesh (ie open) structure.
Some products include a quilted primary cover with a fibrous filling. If this type of cover isused, it must contain a layer of wool (or wool rich blend) only.
TUMBLE DRY AS PART OF THE MACHINE WASHABLE CARE CLAIM
Any product to be labelled ‘Tumble dry’ must be sent to the local office of the Woolmark
Management Group, which will submit the product to the designated Woolmark laboratory fortesting and assessment of compliance to the appropriate specification. The product must be
tumble dried after each wash cycle (7A or 5A) required under the claim machine washable.
In assessing the acceptability of a product, the appearance before and after the washing anddrying cycle will be considered. The optional care claim ‘Tumble dry’ is not applicable to wool
layered mattresses or wool layers for use in mattresses.
APPEARANCE RETENTION AFTER USE
Felting can occur during use (in addition to that during cleansing). It is essential that all products
exhibit an acceptable degree of appearance retention during use, irrespective of care claim. To
achieve satisfactory appearance after use, especially in high pile height products, it may benecessary to use shrink-resist treated wools.
DOUBLE-SIDED MATTRESSES(ie mattresses with a winter-use side and a summer-use side)
If the mattress has two use sides, the wool layer may be directly beneath either or both sides(condition in Note 1.1 applies). If a Woolmark or Woolmark Blend layer is only used on one side(e.g the winter use side), the other side may use a non-Woolmark layer (e.g. the summer use
side may use a cotton layer).
FOLDING MATTRESSES WITH A NON-WOOL CORE (as used in Asia)
The outer folding layer must be of Pure New Wool and the product must be labelled ‘Pure New
Wool layer’.
MATTRESS WITH A PILE FABRIC TOP LAYER
If the mattress has a top layer of wool pile fabric, it is not necessary that a wool layer is alsopresent in the mattress structure.

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APPENDIX:
Specifications for additional claims

ADDITIONAL CLAIM: Pure Merino Wool
PRODUCTS
Pure Merino Wool may be applied to all Woolmark Labelled Bedding products, meeting the criteria
below in addition to those detailed in this specification.
Pure Merino Wool must not be used on Woolmark Blend labelled products.

Pure Merino Wool additional criteria
Property
Wool content
Mean wool fibre diameter(µm: absolute maximum )Test method

Requirements

155

Pure New Wool as indicated in Specifications
F-1, F-2, F-3, F-4

22 or 23 or 24

22.5µmNOTES
1. The mean fibre diameter is determined from the yarn (or fibre if appropriate) removed from thefully finished product.
The fibre diameter requirement (which includes sampling and testing tolerances) is applicable atthe end product stage. It is known that the mean fibre diameter can increase during textile
processing as a result of the preferential loss of finer fibres. It is not known how much change will
occur for any particular set of circumstances but in order to meet the end product requirement, it isadvised that wools with diameters closer to 21.5–22.0µm be chosen at the raw material stage.
In cases of dispute, the result from Woolmark TM24 must be accepted.

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ADDITIONAL CLAIM: Australian Merino
PRODUCTS•

Australian Merino may be applied to all Woolmark labelled products meeting the criteria detailed inthis specification.

•

All requests for products to be included in the Australian Merino program for bedding products,
carpets and rugs must be submitted to the Woolmark Management Group for consideration.

Australian Merino additional criteria
Property

Test method

Requirements

155

Pure New Wool

22 or 23 or 24

22.5µmWool importer’s or wool supplier’s certificate tobe submitted by licensee as confirmation

50%

Wool content
Mean wool fibre diameter(µm: absolute maximum )Australian Merino wool content: (%:minimum)

NOTES
The wool must be from pure Merino sheep and written confirmation must be supplied.

WOOLMARK SPECIFICATION
IB-2 WOOL-FILLED OR LAYERED BEDDING PRODUCTS

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ADDITIONAL CLAIM: Gold LabelPRODUCTS
Gold Label may be applied to the following Woolmark labelled products meeting the criteria detailed
in this specification:• quilts, comforters, duvets and over-futons• under-futons, under-blankets and mattress overlays.
Gold Label must not be used on Woolmark Blend labelled products.
All requests for products to be included in the Gold Label program for quilts, comforters, duvets,
under-blankets, mattress overlays, over-futons and under-futons must be submitted to the Woolmark
Management Group for consideration.

Gold Label: additional criteria
Property

Test method

Requirements

155

Pure New Wool

Wool importer’s or wool
supplier’s certificate to besubmitted by licensee asconfirmation50%

Non-wool filling–

No polyurethane padding permitted

Machine wash and flat dry or line dry:
minimum mandatory care claim(all countries except Australia and New
Zealand)31

Products must meet Woolmark requirements formachine-wash quilts, under-blankets, mattressoverlays and futons

Wool content

Australian Merino wool content: (%:minimum)

Machine wash and tumble dry:
minimum mandatory care claim (Australia
and New Zealand)•

31/254

Product must meet requirements for machine wash
and tumble dry quilts, under-blankets, mattressoverlays and futons shown below.

All tables must also be read in conjunction with the notes that follow.

WOOLMARK SPECIFICATION
IB-2 WOOL-FILLED OR LAYERED BEDDING PRODUCTS

Page 17 of 18

OPTIONAL CARE CLAIM: MACHINE WASH AND TUMBLE DRY
All products submitted for approval for the use of the Woolmark or Woolmark Blend label
must be submitted to the Woolmark Management Group (WMG). All Information on
constructional parameters for submitted products must be included with products for thiscare claim. Testing and approval or rejection of such products will be arranged by the WMG.
1.

SCREENING TEST
Property
Relaxation dimensional change(%: maximum)

Test method

31/254--

Felting dimensional change
31/254
No. and type of wash and dry cycles

Performance after washing or tumble
drying: filling2.

Width: 4 < DC
Length: 4 < DC
1 × 7A + 1 × TD

No. and type of wash and dry cycles

Total dimensional change(%: maximum)

Pass level1 × 5A + 1 × TD

31/254

Width: 5 < DC
Length: 5 < DC–

Acceptable

COMMERCIAL WASH AND TUMBLE DRY TEST (CWT)
Property

Test method

Total dimensional change(% shrinkage: maximum)
Number and type of cycles: 3 × CWT•Pass level
Length: 5 < DC
Width: 5 < DC

This table must be read in conjunction with the notes that follow.

NOTES
1. Woolmark TM31: Dimensional stability–5 < DC indicates that the maximum shrinkage allowable is 5%.
Acceptable indicates a minimal level of after wash fibre clumping, felting and consolidation.
2. CWT test method
A machine with a gentle action wool cycle must be used.
A Woolmark detergent at the recommended dose is preferred.
The following cycle parameters are used for the CWT cycle:
Warm wash
10 minutes
Spray rinse
3 minutes
Spin
2 minutes
Rinse cold
4 minutes
Spin
2 minutes
Rinse cold
3 minutes
Spin
6 minutes
Tumble dry (warm setting)
30 minutes
The CWT test must be performed on all products for which the care claim ‘Machine wash andtumble dry’ is required. To be approved, the product must meet the noted specifications.
The test result from the CWT will be used to make a final decision regarding the acceptability ofa product with a ‘Machine wash and tumble dry’ care claim into the Gold Label program.

WOOLMARK SPECIFICATION
IB-2 WOOL-FILLED OR LAYERED BEDDING PRODUCTS

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