WHY WOOL?
NATURAL
Wool is a protein fibre formed in the skin of sheep, and is
thus %100 natural, not man-made. Since the Stone Age, it has
been appreciated as one of the most effective forms of
all-weather protection known to man, and science is yet to
produce a fibre which matches its unique properties.
RENEWABLE
As long as there
is grass to graze on, every year sheep will produce a new
fleece; making wool a renewable fibre source. Woolgrowers
actively work to safeguard the environment and improve
efficiency, endeavouring to make the wool industry
sustainable for future generations.
NATURAL INSULATOR
Wool is a
hygroscopic fibre. As the humidity of the surrounding air
rises and falls, the fibre absorbs and releases water vapour.
Heat is generated and retained during the absorption phase,
which makes wool a natural insulator. Used in the home, wool
insulation helps to reduce energy costs and prevents the loss
of energy to the external environment,
thus reducing carbon emissions.
BREATHABLE
Wool fibres are
crimped, and when tightly packed together, form millions of
tiny pockets of air. This unique structure allows it to
absorb and release moisture—either in the atmosphere or
perspiration from the wearer—without compromising its thermal
efficiency. Wool has a large capacity to absorb moisture
vapour (up to 30 per cent of its own weight) next to the skin,
making it extremely breathable.
RESILIENT & ELASTIC
Wool fibres
resist tearing and are able to be bent back on themselves
over 20,000 times without breaking. Due to its crimped
structure, wool is also naturally elastic, and so wool
garments have the ability to stretch comfortably with the
wearer, but are then able to return to their natural shape,
making them resistant to wrinkling and sagging. Wool
therefore maintains its appearance in the longer term,
adding value to the product and its lifespan. Wool is also
hydrophillic—it is highly absorbent, and retains liquids—and
so dyes richly while remaining colourfast, without the use
of chemicals.
EASY CARE
The protective
waxy coating on wool fibres makes wool products resistant to
staining and they also pick up less dust as wool is naturally
anti-static. Recent innovations mean wool items are no longer
hand-wash only. Many wool products can now be machine-washed
and tumble dried.
ODOUR RESISTANT
Wool is far more
efficient than other textiles at absorbing sweat and releasing
it into the air, before bacteria has a chance to develop and
produce unpleasant body odour.
