Wool and the circular economy

Wool demonstrates the circular economy in action perfectly.  Wool is produced by sheep every year removing and storing carbon from the atmosphere.  As wool grows on the sheep each year it is a renewable resource, wool products are long lasting and the fibre is biodegradable meaning wool can be returned to the soil, helping new grass to grow, to feed more sheep and produce more wool.

Wool can also support biodiversity where the sheep are managed well and wool products don’t shed any micro plastics.

In contrast, synthetic fibres like polyester are made from non-renewable fossil fuels, they produce carbon during their production and they shed micro plastics throughout their lifespan.  Synthetic material clothing also tend to have shorter lifespans than wool products – they are kept for shorter times and washed more frequently.