Wool

Wool is a natural renewable fiber that has been used for clothing for thousands of years. It naturally has antibacterial properties and can help regulate the body temperature. Wool's texture varies significantly, from coarse varieties to the incredibly fine Merino wool. Major producers include China, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, United Kingdom and South Africa. 

The environmental impact of raising wool differs a lot depending on how the sheep are farmed and the region where the sheep lives. Choose wools that are ZQRX, Gots, ZQ or RWS. ZQRX Regenerative wool has the most responsible impact and can offset production of Co2 emissions drastically. GOTS organic wool emphasizes open grazing pastures without synthetic pesticides, GMO’s or antibiotics. ZQ and RWS Wool ensure wool is produced with high standards of animal welfare and land stewardship and traceability. Always choose mulesing-free wool. Recycled wool is also a very good option for minimizing environmental impact.

Most often, wool and especially merino wool is treated with Toxic chemicals to prevent shrinking. There is concern of these chemicals causing both water pollution and AOX formation, a group of toxic substances that can persist in the environment. The resin coating also applied is less biodegradable and can contribute to microfiber polution. To avoid this look for EXP, Naturetexx, Life Fiber, EFT, Lanazyme, Externity Care, Woolup and Novozyme enzyme treatments. 

At Circular People we choose brands who have  traceable supply chains that  include ZQRX, GOTS, ZQ or RWS certification. We avoid superwash wools choosing EXP, Naturetexx, Life Fiber, EFT, Lanazyme, Externity Care, Woolup and Novozyme enzyme treatments. 

Check out our Field Log for a deeper dive into this fiber. 

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