Guide Merino Wool

In      a
      Nutshell

Merino wool is a natural and biodegradable performance material with self-cleaning properties. Thanks to its fine fibers, it is particularly gentle on the skin. It insulates against both cold and heat, wicks away moisture, and thus helps regulate body temperature optimally. Its natural fat content makes Merino wool water- and dirt-repellent, while its unique fiber surface provides protection against bacteria.

Investing in organic Merino wool ensures ethical and sustainable sheep farming, the preservation of soil, water, and vegetation, as well as the protection of the wool from pesticide residues. Mulesing and branding are not practiced in organic farming.

History

The Merino sheep originated from North Africa and is adapted to the extreme weather conditions of mountainous regions. It arrived in Spain during the Middle Ages and reached countries like Australia and New Zealand in the 18th century, which dominate global wool production today.

SOFT

Merino wool is ideal for sensitive skin due to its unique fiber structure. Compared to conventional wool, Merino fibers have a significantly smaller diameter, making them softer and more flexible. While thicker wool fibers can cause itching, Merino fibers are so fine that they gently conform to the skin, minimizing irritation.

BREATHABLE
                & WARM

Research by the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation highlights the chemical and physical structure of Merino wool and its ability to regulate moisture. Merino wool consists of a complex composition of keratin-based micro- and macrofibrils, which are responsible for the fiber’s natural elasticity and water repellency.

This structure allows the wool to absorb up to 30% of its own weight in moisture and release it back into the surrounding air. This property supports optimal thermoregulation of body temperature and ensures a pleasantly dry wearing experience, even in fluctuating weather conditions. Additionally, due to its strong crimp, Merino fibers provide insulation against both cold and heat.

SELF-CLEANING

The natural fat content of the wool—called lanolin—acts as a protective layer, repelling moisture and preventing dirt particles from penetrating the fibers. It also shields the wool from external influences, increasing its durability.

Additionally, the structure of the wool fibers enhances their resilience: their surface is layered like roof tiles, making it more difficult for bacteria to settle and reducing the development of unpleasant odors. When Merino wool products are aired out, they quickly regain their freshness. This minimizes the need for frequent washing, helping to conserve both resources and the longevity of the clothing.

Uncompromising
            Animal Welfare

The organic farming of Merino sheep is based on strict animal welfare guidelines. Sheep must always have access to clean drinking water and age-appropriate feed, and their physical condition is regularly monitored through random checks. The barn must be well-ventilated and provide protection from both heat and cold. Fencing around pastures must pose no risk of injury, and the animals must be able to express their natural behavior without restriction.

Mulesing—a painful procedure in which part of the skin and tail is removed to prevent infections—is strictly prohibited, as are branding practices. Castration and anesthesia are subject to strict regulations to ensure freedom from pain and fear. If illness or injury leaves no other option, the animals are humanely euthanized.

Fair
     Working Conditions

Organic Merino farming also certifies working conditions in production facilities, ensuring that everyone involved in the supply chain works under fair and safe conditions. The standards include measures to protect the health, safety, and well-being of workers and farmers.

Pesticides     &
      Healthy Soil

In organic sheep farming, a specialized rotational system is used, where pastures are divided into sections, known as paddocks, that are grazed alternately. This method promotes soil health and increases the diversity of plants by preventing overgrazing and soil erosion. By minimizing the need for external feed and fertilizers, emissions like CO₂ and methane are reduced, while nutrients are naturally replenished in the soil through the animals' grazing cycle.

Organic Merino farms also place a strong emphasis on the natural reduction of parasites. By selecting inherently resistant sheep breeds, the need for chemical deworming treatments is reduced, benefiting the environment and creating healthier grazing conditions. Additionally, feed production takes place directly on the pasture to keep the ecological footprint low. The natural return of nutrients through animal manure enhances soil fertility, supports biodiversity, and ensures a stable, sustainable grazing environment that maintains the health of both the land and the sheep.

Our
      Merino Wool

We carefully select our organic Merino wool and only use exceptionally heavy, organically certified Merino wool of the highest quality. The fibers of our organic Merino wool are extraordinarily fine, feel incredibly soft, and are gentle on sensitive skin without causing irritation. The spinning of our organic Merino products takes place in Vincenza, where we work with long-term contracts with organic farmers who raise their sheep in an ethical and respectful manner, without practicing mulesing or branding. The wool is dyed according to the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, ensuring that every product remains free of harmful substances.

All of our organic Merino products are knitted in close collaboration with a family-run manufactory in Barcelos, about 40 km north of Porto, maintaining a short and fully transparent supply chain.

Further Information

https://www.vier-pfoten.at/kampagnen-themen/themen/woll-industrie/eingriffe-bei-schafen 
https://www.bewusstkaufen.at/label-kompass/responsible-wool-standard/
https://csiropedia.csiro.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/6229343.pdf 
https://attra.ncat.org/publication/sheep-sustainable-and-organic-production/https://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/nr/sustainability_pathways/docs/Karlsson%20L%20J%20E%20Karlsson%20A%20L%20(2014)%20Breeding%20for%20resistance%20of%20Merino%20sheep%20Australia.pdf 
https://attra.ncat.org/publication/sheep-sustainable-and-organic-production/ 
https://www.oeko-tex.com/de/unsere-standards/oeko-tex-standard-100

Books

Simpson, W.S. / Crawshaw, G.: Wool: Science and Technology. Cambridge: Woodhead Publishing 2002.
Fletcher, Kate (Hg.): Local, Slow and Sustainable Fashion: Wool as a Fabric for Change. Heidelberg: Springer Nature 2018..