Here is more great news for people who love wool. We already know that it is a natural, biodegradable fibre, so it is extremely kind to the environment. We also know that it is comfortable, great for hot and cold weather, and fashionable. But even its care regime is easier and more sustainable than that of other fibres. International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) explains why caring for wool items is good news for both wearers and the environment.
Care Guidelines for Wool
Wool does not have the same care guidelines as other fabrics. No matter what fabric you use, it is important to follow the care instructions on the label. If you look closely at the labels on your wool garments, you will see that it requires a care routine quite different from your items made of synthetic fibres. In some ways, wool requires more attention and care, and in other ways it is much less demanding. Whichever way you look at it, caring for wool is kinder to the environment. Let’s take a closer look.
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Easy, Sustainable Care – Another Reason to Love Wool!
Wool is a fibre that requires less washing than other fabrics. It is best to refresh your wool garments by airing them out for a few hours, rather than washing them with water. Naturally, this lessens the environmental impact of a piece of woollen clothing, because less water and energy is required to keep it clean. If your wool gets a little stale, simply hang it out in the fresh air. If there are spots of dirt on it, rather clean the spots directly, instead of running the entire garment through a wash cycle. What this means is that wool garments can go without washing for much, much longer than other items in your wardrobe.
Moreover, when you do wash your woollens, you can do so at a much lower temperature. The average wash load requires a temperature of about 41°C, while woollens can be washed at 30°C. The combination of lower temperatures and less frequent washing makes for significant savings on water and energy, and decreases your household’s environmental impact.
What about drying? Wool must be air-dried; it is not suitable for tumble-drying. Once again, this means that wool facilitates a more eco-friendly household, as much less electricity is needed to care for it.
Consumers should also be made aware of the repairability and recyclability benefits of wool. Knowing about the long life-cycle of woollen garments will help users to keep their garments for longer, repair them when necessary, and recycle them when they finally wear out. They will be less quick to replace their garments.
In summation, wool’s care needs make it a sustainable, long-lasting and less demanding fabric. Users can keep their woollens for longer, spend less on care and product replacement, and thus make a meaningful contribution to caring for the environment.
Learn All You Need to Know About the International Wool Industry
For more information on the wool industry around the world, take a look at our fact sheets, statistics and guidelines.
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