Welcome to the woolvolution

Can wool do it all? Maybe.

The natural material is experiencing a resurgence – yet the revolution in question is something many Kiwis have been at the head of for decades. Locals champion wool’s potential and versatility, leading to the innovative ventures you will discover within this feature.
Find it in different forms across construction sites, packing warehouses, in your doctor’s office – or introduce felted soap and a wool keratin hair treatment to your shower routine.

With naturally fire-resistant and air purification qualities, plus excellent temperature regulation, wool insulation is becoming an eco-conscious choice in architecture and homebuilding.

Overseas, many businesses and start-ups are switching to wool packaging for a sustainable, biodegradable alternative. On New Zealand soil, the wool packaging movement is, slowly, growing.

Then, there’s wool as an antimicrobial saviour for natural woundcare. Designed in the Southern Alps, local brand WoolAid combines medical grade merino and adhesive to produce an effective breathable and biodegradable alternative to dressings and plasters.

A miracle material
Picture the humble sheep. Thirsty? Milk. Hungry? Lamb or mutton meat. Cold? Wool fibres become clothing and bedding to keep you warm. Before synthetic materials and overconsumption, sheep were an all-in-one ticket to survival.

Fibre with future
A renewable resource, wool is a sustainable alternative for many products humans use daily. Sheep look to the future and laugh, with their thick, natural fleeces – knowing they will forever stand the test of time. Yet, ethical sourcing remains in the equation. Responsible farming practices, animal welfare, and sustainable land operation are essential as wool gains popularity, to maintain a profitable future for New Zealand’s wool industry.

Main image: Sustaina Grow