Brushtail possum fibre has a hollow core that holds heat exceptionally well — meaning you get serious warmth without the bulk. Combined with its natural softness and durability, it's one of the hardest-working fibres we use.
From New Zealand to the World: The Possum Story
In 1992, we began exploring brushtail possum yarn in partnership with Wools of New Zealand (WONZ). Our first attempt, blending brushtail possum with mid-micron wool, produced a dense and unsatisfactory yarn. The breakthrough came when we blended brushtail possum with much finer merino, creating a soft and beautiful result. However, it was spun on research machines, and we were told it could not be produced commercially because the fibre was too short, too fine, and too slippery.
That changed when Peri connected with a technologist in Japan. Through years of dedicated research, she solved the challenges of fibre collection and production. To succeed internationally, brushtail possum fibre also needed to be reimagined, not as a byproduct of pest control, but as a luxury material.
A high-profile business development team formed around Peri, including Shozo Honda, then president of Prada, and Mr Abe, the Vice Chief of Senken Shinbun – amongst several other high profile business leaders. With their support, the Merinomink knitwear brand was launched at the New Zealand embassy in Tokyo. A co-branded coat, crafted with Burberry from the first bolt of brushtail possum and cashmere fabric woven in Japan, was created for Princess Diana. Today, that coat is housed in Te Papa Museum.
Wools of New Zealand credits Untouched World Ltd as being responsible for establishing the brushtail possum fibre industry.
An Ecological Nightmare
The New Zealand Government has set an ambitious goal: to be pest-free by 2050. Legally classified as pests, brushtail possums are one of the country’s most damaging ecological threats. Native to Australia, brushtail possums were introduced to New Zealand in 1837. In their natural environment, they pose no major risk, but here they thrive unchecked, with no natural predators.
Traditionally, brushtail possum numbers have been controlled by the widespread use of toxic chemicals. At Untouched World, we are committed to supporting a different path. By using brushtail possum fibre, we help reduce their environmental impact while minimising the need for harmful poisons.
Our Sources
Brushtail possum fibre is ethically collected from wild populations, never farmed. Licensed trappers harvest the fibre as part of New Zealand’s pest-free 2050 initiative, and they are legally bound by the Animal Welfare Act 1999. The fibre is only taken once the brushtail possum is deceased.
We partner with a Wellington-based New Zealand company that receives the raw brushtail possum fibre and spins it into yarn for us.
Our Signature Possum Blends
Developed in-house to our own specification, each blend enhances warmth, softness, and durability by pairing possum with Merino and luxurious cashmere. The same exceptional insulation — with added versatility for everyday wear.
