Aardman has welcomed a new partner to its Shaun the Sheep One Farm environmental and sustainability initiative in the shape of Emu Australia, a pioneering producer of footwear which specialises in Australian wool-made products.

Emu is the latest to join the initiative which launched last year to highlight and represent environmental and sustainability issues in a fun and engaging way for families. Successful partnerships under the campaign to date include Natural England’s Countryside Code,  The National Forest, Willsow Plantable Books, and VegPower.

This latest partnership merges EMU’s expertise in footwear with Aardman’s internationally popular Shaun the Sheep, resulting in a unique collection that captures the essence of both brands. The collaboration has been endorsed by The Woolmark Company itself, a globally recognised authority on wool, to highlight the significance and versatility of the material.

“We are proud of our longstanding relationships with EMU Australia and Shaun the Sheep,” said Stephen Feighan, general manager grower services and market intelligence at The Woolmark Company.

“Underpinning this collaboration is an enduring commitment to quality, backed by the Woolmark Company’s globally recognised authority in wool from farm to finished product.”

The collection features a range footwear inspired by Shaun the Sheep and the picturesque landscapes of both Australia and the UK. From classic kids boots adorned with Shaun’s playful illustrations to boots that reflect the character’s mischievous spirit, each piece in the collection is a “blend of comfort and creativity.”

Rebecca Fett, global marketing manager at Emu Australia, said: “Shaun’s universal appeal and the heart-warming stories from Aardman resonate with people of all ages and it’s an opportunity to take our already loved kids’ products and introduce them to a new audience leveraging the nostalgia and love families and kids around the world have for Shaun the Sheep.”

Shaun the Sheep, created by Aardman, has become a global phenomenon since his debut in 2007. The character’s universal appeal, clever humour, and heart-warming stories have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.

“We’re excited to partner with Emu Australia for this special collaboration,” said Rachael Peacock, senior brand manager at Aardman.

“The synergy between Shaun the Sheep and Emu’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship is evident in every piece of this collection. We believe fans of both brands will appreciate the unique blend of comfort and character that this collaboration brings.”

The Shaun the Sheep x Emu Australia collaboration is set to launch in stores from 15th July 2024 and will be available at select retailers, as well as online atemuaustralia.com and other authorised online platforms.

Aardman has teased that more collaborative projects falling under its Shaun the Sheep One Farm campaign will be unveiled throughout the year.