Recycled Wool - EVELINFINK materials
Wool is one of the most durable and easiest to reuse natural fibers. It is warm and cozy for a winter walk, as it traps body heat within the fibers, but it is also breathable for the warmer fall days too. Wool is a natural and quite eco-friendly material but to minimize the environmental impact, it's a must to recycle, and it is a perfect textile for this.
Let's take a closer look at our first type of wool recycling: the closed loop system.
The three recycling methods
Wool recycling has three main options. When the wool is in good condition, it can be used in the closed-loop system. If it's usable but in bad condition, it's ending up in the open-loop system. The third method is reengineering which means that wool products or fabrics are turned into new garments in a smart and imaginative way. And if the material is not wearable anymore it can be composted.
Closed-loop recycling system uses old wool fabric to make new, wearable items. It can utilize either post-industrial (factory scraps) or post-consumer (returned garments) sources.
Closed-loop recycling system - how does it work?
First, the materials go through an arranging phase: the wool is sorted in groups, considering its type and color. Next, all of the non-wool pieces are removed, such as zippers, buttons, linings, etc. After that, the materials go through several knives, they are chopped up into smaller pieces. Finally, these textiles are put through shredding machines to entirely break them down into raw wool fibers. The fibers are then sorted and bundled by desired color combination and spun into yarn.
Don't worry! Recycled wool is just as high quality as virgin one, just even better, as it is more sustainable.
Recycled wool certifications
There are two certifications that are recommended to choose from: the RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) certification and the GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certification.
The RCS certification simply ensures that the content of the fabric originates from recycled sources.
Meanwhile, the GRS certification ensures not only that the fabric is recycled, but that it was produced in a sustainable manner that reduces harm, both on the environment and the people involved in the manufacturing process.
Did you know?
Who was the first person ever who recycled wool? Well, it was probably Benjamin Law in a mill in West Yorkshire in 1813. The demand for wool fabrics started to increase in the 19th century, so recycling was an answer to this request.
Also, an interesting fact, is that in WWII wool was one of the most used materials used in military uniforms. The demand grew again, moreover, the war caused a terrible economic situation so recycling clothing became exceptionally welcomed.
Sources: woolme.co.uk, manteco.com, fabricsight.com