Chemicals in Wool Processing
Chemicals in Wool Processing: What You Need to Know Much of wool processing is mechanical rather than chemical. Where chemicals are used, the wool industry applies them carefully, and has phased out chemicals of concern in compliance with European REACH regulations. The stages below follow wool from the farm through to finished fabric, noting where chemicals play a role and what they are. On Farm Veterinary-registered medication may be administered to sheep for the treatment of external and internal parasites, either as a spray or oral application. A 2022 study of greasy wool from Australia and New Zealand — together accounting for almost a third of global wool supply — confirmed a low incidence of residues well within EU limits, with a decreasing trend: some residues have now reached an average of virtually zero. Early Stage Processing: Cleaning Scouring Raw wool is washed using warm water and non-ionic detergents.
