Consumer guide

Wool and animal hairs

Wool from sheep and animal hairs from alpaca, goats and other animals represent some of the oldest clothing raw-material known to man. But today they only represent 2% of all textile materials.

Why wool? Wool feels cool when it is hot and feels warm when it’s cold. Wool absorbs 30% of its weight in water without feeling wet, it is non-flammable and biodegradable. It can be made in a range of yarn counts and lends itself to all types of fabric construction (with the exception of warp knitting) to provide virtually every type of clothing item from fine lingerie to heavy winter coats. In other words, it has a very good eco-profile, and because modern sheep farming methods and improved spinning technology, wool no longer itches. Merino wool is the most popular type of wool, especially for inner-clothing. 

Wool absorbs unhealthy carbons in the atmosphere

Wool is also extremely durable, resists staining, insulates and breathes - and holds color. It meets many international regulations without the need for chemical treatments. It absorbs unhealthy carbons in the atmosphere providing a better environment. Sadly, many associate wool with itchy, bulky sweaters or long-johns of their childhood. With wool today is soft and very wearable! Also as under-garments, and has become extremely popular as sports underwear. 

Mulesing is common practice in Australia as a way to reduce the incidence of flystrike, and is a surgical practice that is currently being phased out due to massive protests since the sheep are treated for the most part without sedation, though the 2010 deadline will not be met. If not treated, the animals risk being eaten alive by insect larvae, and alternative practices are being tried out. Mulesing is already being phased out in New Zealand.