EST. 1837
Benefits of wool
A fantastically eco-friendly fibre that we are very passionate about.
Wool is one of the oldest materials used by humankind for textiles. It is a fantastically eco-friendly fibre with impressive inherent properties, which makes it so versatile in fabrics and highly superior to synthetic alternatives.
Wool is very much our passion – one that we have been working with for over 185 years. As such, we make every effort to ensure that our raw wool is sourced only from reputable sources. Below you will find information both on the properties of wool, and initiatives that we have undertaken to ensure that our cloth is both high-quality and ethically considerate.
100% Renewable
Wool is a 100% renewable resource. By consuming a simple blend of grass, water and sunlight, sheep will produce a new fleece of wool yearly – which is then harvested and sold.
Sheep are also typically farmed on hilly or arid land – areas that would otherwise be unfit for other agricultural use, helping to minimise strains on resources and space.
100% Biodegradable
As wool is grown as a by-product on sheep, it is therefore made up of naturally occurring proteins – which can be easily and completely broken down by microorganisms within the soil.
This process is known as decomposition, and it will then release these proteins into the soil – providing valuable nutrients back into the earth.
Naturally Insulating
Wool has a very unique structure on a microscopic scale which has caused ‘pockets’ to form. These ‘pockets’ are well suited to capture air and moisture, which it can then utilise accordingly in respect to temperature changes.
If it is too hot, it can release moisture to promote cooling, and if it is too cold it can retain air to act as insulation for warmth.
Odour-Resistant
Wool is exceptionally efficient at absorbing moisture from the skin and releasing it back into the air as it passes through ‘pockets’ in the fibre structure. This results in an environment that is very difficult for bacteria to inhabit and grow within – which in turn stops the development of odour.
Easy to Care for
Wool fibres have a natural “waxy” outer coating, which slows down the time for dirt to be absorbed into the fibres. This means that when soiling first happens, it is typically quite easily wiped away with warm water on a towel.
Naturally Fire-Resistant
The insulating properties of wool – as well as it having a naturally high Nitrogen content – means that wool is naturally fire-resistant. It does not melt, drip, or stick to skin when it burns, with an ignition temperature between 570-600°C. For this reason it is often used in hotels, aircrafts, hospitals and theatres.
Masterton | New Zealand
During 2019, we were delighted to have the opportunity to visit some of the farmlands within the rolling hills of Masterton, NZ.
New Zealand is on of the countries where we procure our Shetland-type fibres. Whilst we typically work through the external accredited body of the New Zealand Farm Assurance Programme Standard – and our long-term supplier Bloch & Behrens – we were still delighted to undergo this experience and meet some of the farmers behind the wool.
All of our Shetland-type wool is sourced from reputable sources, ensuring ethical handling of the animals and compliance with the five freedoms of animal welfare.
Animal Welfaire – Anti-Mulesing
Mulesing is a farming practice which involves the cutting of wool-growing skin in order to reduce the affliction of parasitic infections and flystrike.
In line with the Animal Welfare Act of 1999, we have ensured all of our NZ Shetland-type wool is sourced from reputable origins that do not – and have not ever – used the practice of Mulesing.
Wool Integrity Programme
We are certified by the Wool Integrity Programme – underpinned by the New Zealand Farm Assurance Programme Standard. This ensures that all wool we receive through our long-term supplier – Bloch & Behrens – complies with the five freedoms of animal welfare:
