Bringing Merino Home: Exploring the Future of European Fine Wool

What if high quality Merino wool could once again be produced in Europe? Katy Stevens, Head of ESG at the European Outdoor Group, presents a project that is testing exactly that. In rural Germany, many small flocks are kept as living lawnmowers, and their wool often ends up on the compost. Raw wool sells for around 25 cents a kilo, which does not even cover the cost of shearing. Together with veterinarian Dr. Katharina Grimm, the European Outdoor Group initiated a pilot project in Saxony in 2024 and 2025 to find out whether superfine Merino sheep can be kept in Germany and whether their wool can make it all the way to finished fabric. Katy shares what the pilot has shown so far, why farmers need a business case before they switch, and what the industry can do to build a regional supply chain. In this Expert Talk: • Why European Merino could make sense for brands, farmers and the climate • Results from the pilot project in Saxony • What it takes to build a European fine wool supply chain, and where brands can join Speaker: Dr. Katy Stevens, Head of ESG, European Outdoor Group Recorded at PERFORMANCE DAYS Munich, October 13-14, 2026. __________________________________________________ You want to learn more about the textile industry? Watch all Expert Talks from October 2026:    • Expert Talks October 2026   🔴Subscribe now:    / @performancedays   Visit us on LinkedIn and Instagram! 💙LinkedIn:   / performance-days   💛Instagram:   / performancedays   #PERFORMANCEDAYS #Merino #Wool