Wool Science
Research into wool and its properties is one of IWTO’s most important activities. IWTO’s wool research is guided by specialized Technical Advisory Groups, under the leadership of our different working groups.
Here, we offer a reference of the latest wool research by topic. We aim to provide peer-reviewed research in leading journals that is available on an open-source basis.
Sustainability
Microfibre Pollution and the Marine Biodegradation of Wool (Case Study). AgResearch, March 2020
Microfibre Pollution – What’s the Story for Wool. AUTEX 2019. Collie, Randford, Fowler and Brorens.
Chemical residue trends for Australian and New Zealand wool. Ranford, S., Swan, P. & van Koten, C. Sci Rep 12, 768 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-04787-x
Reducing the Environmental Impacts of Garments through Industrially Scalable Closed-Loop Recycling: Life Cycle Assessment of a Recycled Wool Blend Sweater. Wiedemann, S.G.; Biggs, L.; Clarke, S.J.; Russell, S.J. Sustainability 2022, 14, 1081. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031081
Critical Review of Product Environmental Footprint (PEF)
Why PEF Currently Favors Synthetic textiles (Plastics) and Therefore Also Fast Fashion
Ingun Grimstad Klepp, Kirsi Laitala, Lisbeth Løvbak Berg (SIFO, OsloMet), Tone Skårdal Tobiasson (NICE Fashion/UCRF),
Jens Måge (Norwegian Waste Management and Recycling Association) and Kerli Kant Hvass (Revaluate/Aalborg University) https://clothingresearch.oslomet.no/2023/02/07/new-critical-background-paper-on-pef-for-apparel-and-footwear/ (2023).
Using LCA and Circularity Indicators to Measure the Sustainability of Textiles—Examples of Renewable and Non-Renewable Fibres
Wiedemann, S.G.; Nguyen, Q.V.; Clarke, S.J. Using LCA and Circularity Indicators to Measure the Sustainability of Textiles—Examples of Renewable and Non-Renewable Fibres. Sustainability 2022, 14, 16683. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416683 (2022).
Reducing environmental impacts from garments through best practice garment use and care, using the example of a Merino wool sweater. Wiedemann, S.G., Biggs, L., Nguyen, Q.V. et al. Int J Life Cycle Assess 26, 1188–1197 (2021).
Clothing lifespans: what should be measured and how. Klepp, I.G.; Laitala, K.; Wiedemann, S. Clothing Lifespans: What Should Be Measured and How. Sustainability 2020, 12, 6219. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12156219
Review of Methodological Choices in LCA-Based Textile and Apparel Rating Tools: Key Issues and Recommendations Relating to Assessment of Fabrics Made From Natural Fibre Types.
Watson, K.J.; Wiedemann, S.G. Sustainability 2019, 11, 3846.
Environmental impacts associated with the production, use, and end-of-life of a woollen garment. Wiedemann, S., Biggs, L., Nebel, B. et al. Int J Life Cycle Assess 25, 1486–1499 (2020).
Application of life cycle assessment to sheep production systems: Investigating co-production of wool and meat using case studies from major global producers. Wiedemann S, Ledgard S, Henry BK, Yan M, Mao N, Russell SJ (2015) Int J LCA 20: 463-476.
Health & Wellness
Effects of Merino Wool on Atopic Dermatitis Using Clinical, Quality of Life, and Physiological Outcome Measures. Fowler, Joseph F. Jr MD, FAAD; Fowler, Lynn M. BSN, RN; Lorenz, Douglas PhD. Dermatitis: 5/6 2019 – Volume 30 – Issue 3 – p 198-206 doi: 10.1097/DER.0000000000000449
An Investigator Blinded, Clinical Trial Assessing the Efficacy of Superfine Merino Wool Base Layer Garments (SMWBG) in Children with Atopic Dermatitis (AD) Measuring SCORAD1, EASI2, POEM3 and DSA4 Scores. Spelman Lynda Jane, Supranowicz Madeleine Jane, Davidson Kurt Alan, Johnston Jesse James, Yau Benny and Holland Teagan Lea. Received: July 12, 2018; Published: July 19, 2018. Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research Volume 7- Issue 1: 2018
Debunking the Myth of Wool Allergy: Reviewing the Evidence for Immune and Non-immune Cutaneous Reactions. Michaela Zallmann, Pete K. Smith, Mimi L.K. Tang, Lynda J. Spelman, Jennifer L. Cahill, Gabriele Wortmann, Constance H. Katelaris, Katrina J. Allen, John C. Su. DOI: 10.2340/00015555-2655
Determining Effects of Superfine Sheep wool in INfantile Eczema (DESSINE): a randomized paediatric crossover study. J.C. Su, R. Dailey, M. Zallmann, E. Leins, L. Taresch, S. Donath, S.S. Heah, A.J. Lowe. First published: 09 February 2017
The effects of fabric for sleepwear and bedding on sleep at ambient temperatures of 17°C and 22°C. Shin M, Halaki M, Swan P, Ireland A, Chow CM. Nat Sci Sleep. 2016;8:121-131 https://doi.org/10.2147/NSS.S100271
Carpets
Wool and carpets – 6000 years of innovation, quality and sustainability
P Ingham, S McNeil, W Meade, M Sunderland
Key Engineering Materials 671, 490-496
2016
P Ingham, W Meade, S McNeil
Proc. 12th International Wool Research Conference
2010
R.A. McCall and S.J. McNeil
Indoor and Built Environment
2006
Errol J. Wood
Textile Research Journal, 63, 10
1993
G. A. Carnaby & E. J. Wood
The Journal of the Textile Institute, 80, 1, 71-90
1988
Environmental
Dr Fay Couceiro, Reader in Biogeochemistry
and Environmental Pollution, University of Portsmouth
SB + CO and the University of Portsmouth, 2023
L Ranasinghe, V M Jayasooriya
Resources, Environment and Sustainability, Vol 6.
2021
Steven J. McNeil, Matthew R. Sunderland, Larissa I. Zaitseva
Resources, Conservation and Recycling
2007
P Ingham, S McNeil, M Sunderland
Advanced Materials Research 441, 33-43
2012
Peter E. Ingham, Steve McNeil, Matthew Sunderland
12th Asian Textile Conference: New Prospects on Textiles
2013
Insulation
Corscadden, K., Stiles, D.
Wool Value Chain Development Project
January 14, 2013