Lead designer and Locus Research Programme director, Blythe Rees-Jones is interviewed on RadioNZ's Midday Report about the innovative Encircle Compression therapy.
Blythe talks about the reason why Encircle was developed and why merino can benefit Chronic Venous Disease. He explains the anti-bacterial and anit-microbial benefits of merino. He also explains the importance of the moisture management properties of merino in comparison to the prevalent synthetic options.
He also outlines the vision and opportunity for the fine wool sector right through to farmers if innovative new products are developed using the unique attributes of the merino wool fibre.
For the full interview visit Radio New Zealand: the segment starts at (1:22) into the podcast.
For further information about Encircle please visit: www.encirclemedical.com
US Design Award won by Merino Products
Merino wool compression garments designed and produced in New Zealand have won an award for medical design excellence in the United States.
Encircle Compression Therapy products were developed for The Merino Company by a team led by Locus Research, partnered with the AgResearch Textiles Group and the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand. Lead designer Blythe Rees-Jones says the brief was to find innovative new applications for merino.
He says they looked at the products currently available for the treatment of circulatatory problems - such as varicose veins and ulcers - and found that they were largely bandages and compression hosiery, made from synthetic materials which often contribute to skin infections.
The Encircle garments are made from an elastane polyester and merino, which sits next to the skin. Mr Rees-Jones says a major order has already been received from Australia and there's been interest from as far afield as Norway and Denmark.
He hopes there will be flow-on benefits for local merino growers.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand
