The mobile phone WoolClip app is a key part of AWEX’s proposed eBale system.

AUSTRALIA’S online mobile tool for describing and consigning wool clips – WoolClip — has shown it can dramatically increase completion of the important National Wool Declaration.

The Australian Wool Exchange’s WoolClip app allows users to create wool specifications, consignments and NWDs to more efficiently describe clips for sellers, buyers and processors.

In the 2023-24 season the innovative digital tool achieved an impressive 96.6 percent National Wool Declaration completion rate, compared to the national average of 75.4pc.

AWEX said the higher declaration rate is a testament to WoolClip’s pivotal role in transforming wool clip information, quality assurance, and traceability across Australia.

More than 260,000 bales were processed through WoolClip in the 2023/24 season – about 16.5pc of first-hand wool tested for auction sale. From July to October 2024, WoolClip has recorded an 18.3pc growth in uptake on the same period last season.

AWEX has also noted an increase in use of the WoolClip consignment module that allows documentation of bales loaded on a truck.

In response to industry demand, AWEX has expanded support resources, including completing 56 in-person workshops across Australia last season and a forthcoming training program for ‘go-to’ personnel within companies. WoolClip’s upcoming features for 2025 – such as enhanced Property Identification Code recording to a mob level when a job involves multiple PICs, and online training resources will ensure that WoolClip users are well-equipped to meet evolving market information needs.

AWEX general manager – wool operations David Cother said the higher NWD rate is just one example on how WoolClip technology enables and supports users in providing reliable, timely, and quality business information.

“WoolClip is an innovative industry asset, developed in Australia for the Australian wool industry,” he said.

Mr Cother said WoolClip makes it easier for wool growers to complete an NWD.

“The reason for this, is an NWD completion request can be pushed out via a text or email message to the owner/manager (by the classer).

“The owner/manager simply opens the request, reviews the contents – edits where needed – and signs,” he said.

“This could be at home, in the paddock etc.

“It removes the need for the owner/manager to sign the NWD on a physical piece of paper,” Mr Cother said.

“If the owner/manager is a user of WoolClip they can process/sign the NWD online.

“The point of the NWD statistic is that complete and well prepared documentation is beneficial to the pipeline.”

AWEX said the WoolClip platform also enhances the industry’s sustainability credentials, a crucial factor as markets increasingly demand proof of environmental and ethical standards. Through features like eBale scanning and integration with the Australian Wool Sustainability Scheme, WoolClip helps users evidence how their wool meets consumer expectations for sourcing and production, AWEX said.

AWEX said WoolClip creates a stronger, verifiable chain of data from farm to the market and it encourages industry members who haven’t yet joined WoolClip to discover how it can help streamline operations, support compliance, and ultimately enhance the value of Australian wool on the global stage.