The Fiber

The Impact of Microplastics

The fashion industry significantly contributes to microplastic pollution, with synthetic textiles like polyester, nylon, and acrylic shedding tiny plastic fibers during every wash. These microplastics, less than 5mm in size, account for 35% of ocean microplastic pollution. A single load of synthetic clothing can release up to 700,000 microplastic fibers into our waterways. Wool is a natural fiber, biodegrades naturally, and sheds zero microplastics.

Microplastics from synthetics don’t just pollute waterways and oceans—they’re also infiltrating land and agricultural systems. They carry harmful chemicals, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and other pollutants, which can leach into the soil and potentially enter the food chain through crops. They can disrupt soil ecosystems, affecting beneficial microbes, worms, and insects that play critical roles in maintaining soil fertility and health. Over time, these disruptions could lead to reduced agricultural productivity and long-term harm to food security. Once in the soil, microplastics can alter its structure, reducing porosity and water retention, which can negatively impact plant growth and overall soil health. Microplastics also impact human health by entering the food chain. The average person ingests 5 grams of microplastics per week – that’s the equivalent of eating a credit card.

Wool in Everyday Wear

Wool garments are a standout choice for sustainability in everyday wear, offering significant advantages over synthetic alternatives. With an average lifespan of 6 years, wool garments outlast cotton garments, which typically last only 3.8 years—an impressive 33% difference. This durability reduces the frequency of replacements, supporting thoughtful consumption.

Wool’s natural odor resistance means garments can be worn multiple times before washing, cutting washing frequency by up to 20% compared to other fibers. This saves water, energy, and time, making wool a low-maintenance option for active and busy lifestyles. Additionally, wool’s moisture-wicking properties add to its comfort and functionality, whether in casual or performance wear.

By choosing wool, consumers invest in durable, high-quality clothing that aligns with sustainable living. Wool’s ability to combine comfort, longevity, and reduced environmental impact makes it an essential fiber for a wardrobe that prioritizes both style and responsibility.

Recycling and Reuse

Wool is renowned for its durability and longevity. Wool fibers are naturally elastic and can bend back on themselves over 20,000 times without breaking, making woolen textiles resistant to tearing and able to retain their shape and softness even with regular use. Wool products have the potential for two or more uses or ‘lives’ and a total ‘active life’ of 20-30 years. Wool represents just 1.3% of the global textile market, yet studies show the donation rate of wool is high, at about 5%–wool garments can have many lives and continue to be in use long after the original owner. Wool is one of the most re-used of all fibers with discarded wool textiles being repurposed into new products like garments, insulation, and upholstery.

At the end of its life, wool continues to retain its value. It can be upcycled into fire-resistant padding and soundproofing materials, or re-spun into new yarn. And recycling wool uses 50% less energy than producing new synthetics. No matter the path, wool’s end-of-life options ensure it continues to give back to the planet.
Choosing wool supports a fiber that reduces waste, conserves resources, and contributes to a zero-waste future.