Pakistan is rich in natural resources. Although it’s primarily an agricultural country, it ranks among the world’s largest textile exporters. However, textile demand has shifted, and there’s now a strong need for sustainable, environmentally friendly materials and processes. Recycled textiles are increasingly being used for large-scale production. Despite having valuable resources, many remain underutilized and need further exploration. This work package focuses on reviving Pakistan’s wool industry, which has declined due to economic factors such as the import of fine-grade wool and semi-processed fibers. The project specifically targets the revival of coarse-grade wool, which is usually discarded after shearing. To turn this waste into value-added products, new processing methods are needed—starting from fiber cleaning to final product development.

This project aimed to develop lightweight shelters with infrared shielding using natural, eco-friendly, and locally sourced materials—specifically Balochi wool. The goal is to offer an alternative to current IR shielding methods like coatings, metallic sheets, and other advanced materials added to the base fabric. While those methods achieve the required shielding, they significantly raise production costs. Pakistan has abundant wool and ranks as the 10th largest sheep-producing country globally, after China and India. In Balochistan, livestock makes up 40% of the local economy, but wool accounts for only 1.5% of it. Despite this availability, nearly all of the wool is discarded as waste, with no effort to convert it into value-added products.