After decades of pioneering work in wool recycling, and the last seven years as Founder and Director of iinouiio, Dr John Parkinson has decided it’s the right time to retire.

Over his career, John has championed the idea that so-called “waste” fibres can hold value, purpose, and beauty; a vision that has shaped iinouiio from its earliest days and inspired countless collaborations, innovations, and conversations around sustainable wool.

Though John is stepping back, the vision and values he instilled will continue to guide iinouiio as a proud part of the Camira Group. John's influence remains central to the heritage skills we protect, the innovative materials we develop, and the commitment to sustainability that remains at the heart of everything Camira does.

From his early days in Yorkshire’s shoddy and mungo trade in the 1970s, to founding Evergreen in 1990, and then launching iinouiio in 2019, Dr John Parkinson has always believed that many of the materials we label as “waste” are simply raw materials waiting for imagination and skill.

iinouiio joined Camira in 2022 as our specialist wool recycling division, and under our umbrella, its mission continues: to challenge assumptions, and demonstrate that recycled fibres can be both technically credible and creatively inspiring.

Looking ahead, iinouiio will continue its work within Camira, focusing on internal processing and selected fabric take-back initiatives, managed from our Camira Yarns site in Huddersfield. This ensures John’s principles and passion for sustainable wool remain at the core of our operations.

As Dr John Parkinson steps back to enjoy family and a new rhythm of life, we celebrate the important work that will continue to inspire Camira everyday. iinouiio’s journey continues with the same commitment, woven into the Camira ecosystem.