An innovative sustainable packaging company based in Staffordshire is thought to be the first in the country to have scooped what they are calling: ‘a royal hat trick.’
Woolcool based in Stone, Staffordshire are proud to announce that this week they have been awarded a coveted King’s Award for International Trade – marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey.
Having previously received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation in 2018 and the Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development four years later in 2022, this latest accolade recognises Woolcool’s continued growth and success on the global stage.
It’s rare for a company to be presented with two awards, of this nature and there are no records showing that any company has received three, during their history of applying.
Woolcool which celebrates its 25th birthday this year and employs 85 people, was founded in 2001 by Angela Morris. Her mission was to prove that natural materials could deliver high-performance packaging solutions. Woolcool set out to challenge conventional thinking in temperature-controlled packaging by harnessing the insulating power of wool.
In 2018, this approach was first recognised with the Queen’s Award for Innovation, validating the company’s mission to develop a more responsible alternative within a traditionally resource-intensive sector.
As the business evolved, sustainability remained at its core. In 2022, Woolcool was honoured with the Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development, recognising its commitment to reducing environmental impact and advancing more circular approaches to packaging.
The newly awarded King’s Award for International Trade highlights how this British-born innovation has successfully expanded beyond the UK, supporting organisations across global markets in adopting more sustainable packaging solutions, including the EU and USA.
Founder and Chairwoman Angela Morris said: “We are incredibly proud to receive this Award. It is a recognition that underscores our long-held belief in the power of nature's own 'smart fibre.' It reaffirms the global potential of wool, not just as a sustainable alternative, but as a high-performance material capable of protecting the world’s most temperature-critical assets. Whether it is the distribution of life-saving vaccines to remote corners of the globe or the protection of delicate electronic components, our research has proven that wool consistently outperforms man-made alternatives.
She added: “This award belongs to our dedicated Woolcool Team and reinforces our commitment to using renewable resources to meet the planet's most urgent logistical and environmental challenges. Achieving recognition across all three award categories is rare distinction, and one that reflects our evolution and our long-term vision.”
While the “Royal hat trick,” represents a significant milestone, Woolcool’s Chief Executive Josie Morris says their journey is very much ongoing.
She said: “Over the years we have faced scepticism about wool’s viability and our approach, but we’ve also been supported by customers, partners and a team who believe in what we’re doing. This award is a moment to celebrate that journey and the people behind it. But it’s also a reminder that our work is far from finished. There are still huge opportunities ahead, and we remain committed to pushing forward. As I always say… watch this space.”