Ngaire Takano

Ngaire Takano is an advocate for sustainable production, traceable craftsmanship, and environmental integrity. Originally from England and raised in Australia, her connection to local, organic, and fair-trade practices began in the 1980s. By age 16, she was already working on sheep farms and had launched her first business creating organic, gluten-free, and dairy-free baked goods for local cafés. Her passion extended into food, drink, and textiles, shaping a lifelong commitment to ethical production and environmental stewardship.

In 2003, Ngaire founded her second business in the UK, continuing her focus on artisan collaboration and material traceability. A long-time supporter of Fibershed since 2011, she established the Belgium affiliate in 2023, with a particular emphasis on wool, flax, and the natural color palette of the region. Today, Ngaire runs Belgium’s first dedicated Wool Lab, where she promotes circular processing, transparency in production, and educational initiatives for students, artisans, and industry professionals. Her work is grounded in celebrating local resources, supporting cross-border collaboration, and championing the value of natural fibers in modern applications.