Powered by wool - engineered for now and the future
Plastics are essential to modern life - but they have come at a cost. At Shear Edge, we’ve developed a breakthrough composite that reduces plastic content by integrating strong wool fibre into polymer compounds. The result is a high-performance material that’s stronger, lighter, harder - and more sustainable.
We help global manufacturers of plastics and advanced composites unlock new opportunities by reducing their reliance on synthetics and embracing renewable, traceable fibres to deliver products that perform without compromise. From outdoor gear and lifestyle products to industrial equipment and packaging, our composites can be applied across almost any rigid plastic product, and can fit seamlessly into existing production lines, providing manufacturers with a world-leading edge.
Our Story
Shear Edge was founded in 2020 by Dr. Logan Williams in collaboration with NZ Merino, driven by the idea that strong wool could find new, high-value uses beyond its traditional applications. In 2023, with the backing of the Thomas Family Trust, Shear Edge established its own Auckland manufacturing base and began producing composite polymers at scale.
Dr. Williams’ pioneering work has been recognised globally, including being named to Forbes 30 Under 30 for innovation. Today, Shear Edge is scaling production and forging partnerships with future-focused manufacturers worldwide.
Sustainability in action
It's built into our DNA.
- Traceable sourcing – Every fibre comes from accredited New Zealand farms under ZQ/ZQRX certification.
- Product longevity – Our composites extend the lifespan of products, reducing waste and emissions.
- Circular thinking – We are advancing towards closed-loop, low-waste production systems.
- Global goals – Our work contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, from Climate Action to Responsible Production and Life on Land.
By engineering with purpose, we help manufacturers meet the demands of today while protecting the resources of
Partnering with Shear Edge
Nearly 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year, much of it for durable, rigid products. Manufacturers face increasing pressure from regulators, consumers, and supply chains to reduce environmental impact while maintaining performance.
Shear Edge enables this transition by:
- Reducing plastic content without compromising strength or quality.
- Delivering materials that enhance product performance and longevity.
- Providing a traceable sustainability story that differentiates products in the market.
- Supporting the revival of New Zealand’s strong wool industry and regenerative farming practices.
With Shear Edge, manufacturers can improve their products, reduce their environmental footprint, and strengthen their market position.
Frequently asked questions
At Shear Edge, everything we do is aligned with one clear mission:
to accelerate the world’s transition away from synthetics and towards natural, renewable materials. By transforming strong wool into a high-performance ingredient brand, we give manufacturers the ability to innovate responsibly - creating products that last longer, perform better, and tread lighter on the earth. The future of materials is natural ... and we’re building it, one fibre at a time.
Our partnerships
We believe collaboration creates real change. That’s why we partner with brands across industries to design remarkable, sustainable products.
These collaborations show that natural fibre composites are not just theoretical, they are already delivering real-world performance and compelling stories that connect with consumers.
