In August 2026, Untouched World joined the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Threads of Change collaboration at COP17 Mongolia. Mongolian cashmere and rescued New Zealand Merino offcuts were transformed into a capsule collection for COP17, demonstrating how land restoration, livelihoods and circularity are intrinsically connected.

Bringing together BODIOS, UNDP and Mongolian herders, the collaboration connected Mongolia’s natural cashmere fibres with manufacturing offcuts from Untouched World in New Zealand. The Merino remnants were shredded and re-spun into a new yarn, creating a special collection of cashmere scarves, shawls and headbands for the global conference. It is a considered example of how collaboration across countries and supply chains can create new possibilities for materials that might otherwise go to waste.

For Untouched World Founder Peri Drysdale, who grew up on a sheep station in New Zealand, the relationship between land, animals and fibre is deeply personal. Speaking as part of the Threads of Change panel alongside Development Manager, Fiona Bretherton, she reflected on how the textile story begins with soil health. Healthy landscapes support healthy pasture, thriving animals and, ultimately, high-quality fibre.

Presented at COP17 Mongolia, the collaboration placed textiles and fashion within a wider conversation about restoring land and sustaining livelihoods. It offered a reminder that healthy land, fair livelihoods, quality fibre and circularity are not separate ambitions, but interconnected parts of a more considered future.