We’re no stranger to shouting about, and celebrating, the benefits of wool. Whether used within the home (as homewares or natural insulation) or throughout your wardrobe, wool is a natural wonder that just keeps on giving.
It’s breathable, moisture-wicking, fire retardant, environmentally friendly, versatile, hypoallergenic, easy to care for, and naturally beautiful, making it a rewarding material for us to work with and you to have around. Wool has even been found to have a positive impact on wellness to enhance your lifestyle for the better.
With recent research revealing that wool is 300% more likely to be donated compared to other fibres, the advantages mentioned above can be enjoyed not just by a single person but by many generations to come.
Here we take a closer look at wool’s recycle pathway to define a whole host of other reasons why this fibre is a fantastic investment for the home.
A story of sustainability
The story of wool isn’t just about warmth and comfort. The very characteristics that make wool what it is, make it an environmentally responsible fibre that can and should be cherished.
Wool is a renewable resource, harvested ethically from the most beautiful creatures, who in turn graze on natural landscapes to play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystems and preventing soil degradation. The production process of wool is also generally low impact, with a smaller carbon footprint than practices used to create synthetic materials.
Biodegradable by nature
What really sets wool apart on the sustainability scale is its biodegradability, which is vital as we as humans continue to battle the ever-growing problem of textile waste. Here the International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) explains how the natural breakdown of wool fibres offers a better solution to a very big issue:
“Wool’s biodegradation properties are in sharp contrast to synthetic fibres, which take much longer to break down and also release microplastics into the environment. Crucially, wool’s unique structure and water-repellent outer membrane mean that while a garment is being worn and cared for, the fibres are resilient and long-lasting. Wool starts to biodegrade in moist, warm conditions, which typically come into play after the lifetime of garments.”
The biodegradability of wool means fibres can return to the earth without leaving a lasting footprint or ending up in landfill.
Wonderful when repurposed
The journey of wool doesn’t have to end once the accessory or garment is no longer usable or desirable. Wool can be easily recycled and repurposed, with discarded wool garments finding second, third, fourth or even fifth lives elsewhere.
Whether broken down and transformed into new wool products or donated in their original form, the circular economy that surrounds wool is a real win-win for consumers and the planet. By recycling or repurposing, there’s limited demand for virgin wool, reduced frequency of replacements, and less wasted as a result. Unlike flimsy fast fashion items, wool products are made to last, giving wool fans like you more to love for even longer.
So, let’s celebrate the joys and earth-friendliness of this beautiful fibre together by choosing wool now and long into the future!