Blogs
What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?
What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)? How does it combat waste? How does EPR connect to wool? With EPR policies fast approaching, it’s time to consider these questions and what they mean for producers, brands and businesses.
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What does Carbon Sequestration mean in the context of fashion?
The fashion industry significantly contributes to excess atmospheric carbon, contributing to climate change. But did you know that wool sequesters carbon? Organic carbon makes up 50% of the weight of wool and is part of the natural carbon cycle. The carbon stored in wool comes from sheep digesting plant materials that capture carbon from the atmosphere. Wool stores or sequesters carbon in a wearable form for the lifetime of a wool garment, and at the end of the garment’s life, the wool fibre can biodegrade and return to the soil to release valuable nutrients back into the earth. Curious about wool and the carbon cycle? Learn more in our fact sheet available for download: https://ow.ly/jQHC50SmWAJ
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Ever wondered how your knitwear gets made?
In a perfect partnership of age-old technique and fresh innovation, wool is easily transformed from raw material into functional knitwear. Learn how it works here: https://ow.ly/1ree50PeMmY blob:https://www.youtube.com/de6061c7-ae21-46a6-aef4-69de7c73e453
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Why does Australia wear green and gold in the Olympics?
The 2024 Paris Olympics officially begin on Friday, July 26 with an Opening Ceremony featuring a breathtaking river parade on the Seine. Team Australia will be among the 10,500 athletes, representing 206 countries competing, with around 120 heads of state among those cheering them on. With Australia looking great in uniform as they make themselves at home in the athletes’ village, Aussie fans are asking; why does Australia don the green and gold for sporting events? To celebrate Australia making its mark at the Olympics, we are taking a look at the history of our Olympic uniform - and how the green and gold began. Team Australia in green and gold While green and gold had been popularly embraced as the nation’s sporting colours since the late 1800s, it wasn’t until 1984 that they were formally recognised as the national colours by Governor General, Sir Ninian Stephen. Before this, our nation colours had been red, white and blue, reflecting our national flag and the first version of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, and blue and gold, the colour of the wreath in the Commonwealth Coat of Arms. Australia’s national colours and Indigenous heritage are proudly on display in the uniforms designed by Asics, Sportscraft and Speedo for the 460 athletes who will represent the country in the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics. Each garment and accessory from the 2024 Olympic uniform features the green and gold colour scheme and incorporates an Indigenous print, making this the largest integration of Indigenous artwork on athlete uniforms in Australian Olympic history. The symbolism of our national colours The hues of green and gold have endured. They are symbolic and closely tied to Australia’s unique environment: as well as wattle, the gold conjures images of Australia’s golden sands and sunshine. Green evokes the forests, eucalyptus trees and pastures of the Australian landscape. Much like Team Australia, this winning colour combination also forms the palette of Australia’s Nation Brand, in which the national colours are reimagined to reflect our country’s premium goods and services. At its centre is the golden kangaroo - globally recognised as Australian – and bounding ahead with momentum. Co-created with Indigenous designers, Balarinji, the Brand elements are embedded with a cultural richness that speaks distinctively of Australia. Proudly Australian owned and made, Merino & Co is proud to showcase our Aussie pride when promoting our premium merino wool products overseas.
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Machine Washable Wool Fabric
Peer-reviewed research confirms that wool fibres are biodegradable in marine environments. Moreover, the study supports that polyamide resin (Hercosett) used in machine washable wool treatments doesn’t contribute to microplastic pollution. How do we know this? The research examined samples from lightweight base-layer fabrics made from six fibre types, including Merino wool (both machine washable and untreated), viscose rayon and three synthetic fibres. “This study adds to the growing body of scientific evidence recommending more natural, non-synthetic materials like wool in global textile markets,” says Angus Ireland, Program Manager at Australian Wool Innovation. Learn more: https://ow.ly/8MQo50T9qOX
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Did you know--wool Garments reduce eczema symptoms?
Studies have shown that perceptions of prickle from clothing increase as the fibre diameter increases and may be an important factor for those with sensitive skin. Eczema sufferers have especially sensitive skin and an Australian study at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) has shown that wool garments made from soft superfine Merino wool garments were well tolerated by participants in the study and reduced their eczema symptoms. Learn more: https://ow.ly/123o50QCu8O
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Why do first responders wear wool base layers?
Fighting fire with… wool? The wool fibre’s inherent fire resistance properties make it a premier protective material for first responders. Wool’s high-temperature ignition point means that the fibre does not readily ignite, making it the ultimate ally in an emergency. A recent study shows that wool also helps keep wearers cool under pressure by providing superior insulation, even when wet. With unbeatable durability, wool’s versatile capabilities ensure wearers can perform at their best, even in the most demanding situations. When duty demands excellence, trust in wool to have your back. Learn more: https://ow.ly/KjHX50PQW3J
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Can wool give you a better night of sleep?
Can wool give you a better night’s sleep? Give restless sleep a final goodnight with wool’s natural benefits. Wool’s inherent ability to help regulate body temperature keeps you in what’s known as the ‘thermal comfort zone’ for longer. This means that wool helps you to fall asleep quicker, with a deeper and less fragmented sleep. From sleepwear to bedding, wool has many ways to improve our sleep through the fibre’s inherent capabilities from temperature regulation to allergen management and more. Find out about wool for sleep with research backed information to help you and your customers get a better night’s rest. Explore the research, here: https://lnkd.in/gkaAQkhu
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Wool is good to the skin!
Whether it’s hot, cold, humid or dry, Merino wool garments are the most breathable of the common apparel types because of wool’s ability to absorb and release twice as much moisture vapour as cotton, and 30 times as much as polyester. When worn next to the skin, super fine Merino wool works as a dynamic buffer, helping to stabilise the humidity levels and temperature of the micro-climate between the fabric and the skin. Read more here: https://ow.ly/wfXv50QJ16q
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How wool became machine washable?
Early stage wool processing takes the raw, also called greasy, wool and scours it, cards it, and combs it. The result is called a sliver, a long bundle of wool fibre. The sliver is wound into a ball, and this is called top. From the top, wool can be spun into yarn. Brands can treat wool top with a shrink-proofing process which involves oxidising the fibre and adding an insoluble, non-plastic compound like Hercosett resin. Due to the partial removal of wool’s protective outer cuticle during the shrink-proofing process, the fibre’s compromised outer layer allows microbes better access, which actually increases the treated garment’s biodegradability rate. This ensures that cherished woollen items endure the spin cycle with ease while increasing the biodegradability of a wool garment at its end-of-life without contributing to microplastic pollution. Learn more about value-add finishes for wool products in the Woolmark Learning Centre: https://ow.ly/QPNQ50Q1XS3
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10 reasons why you will love Australian merino wool
With winter just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about investment pieces to keep yourself warm and cosy. Australian Merino wool is a premium fibre that’s perfect for all year round but especially suited to keeping you warm in the winter time. We have put together a list detailing why we love Australian Merino wool and by the time you're finished reading, we think you will love it just as much as we do! In no particular order here are the top 10 reasons why you will love Australian Merino Wool. It’s Temperature regulating and breathable Wool is traditionally thought of as the perfect fibre for winter and merino wool is no different. Not only is Australian Merino wool perfect for winter though, its perfect for all year round. The crimped composition of the fibre provides unbeatable insulation by condensing moisture and air inside the fibre and providing heat to your body. In warmer months the fibre is able to keep you cool and dry as Merino wool is hygroscopic. This means it draws and keeps moisture away from the skin. This transfer of moisture away from the skin allows your body to feel cooler without that sticky, wet feeling that is sometimes caused by synthetic garments. It’s Soft The mention of wool can sometimes evoke memories of scratchy jumpers or itchy blankets, but merino wool is the complete opposite. Merino Wool is finer than any other wool fibre and this is the secret to its softness. Because the individual fibres are so fine, they are more flexible and malleable which makes it softer than any other wool fibre. This luxuriously soft to the touch feel makes it perfect for next to skin clothing. It’s Machine washable and wrinkle resistant With a busy modern lifestyle, high maintenance textiles and clothing can be just another chore on your list of never-ending responsibilities. Traditionally wool needs to be hand washed, but once again Australian merino is the exception to the rule being particularly low maintenance. You should always consult the care label on your garments first but most Merino wool products can be thrown in the washing machine on a delicate or wool cycle with like colours and fabrics. Merino wool scores even more points on the easy-to-care-for scale as depending on how you dry it ironing becomes optional. This is largely due to the natural elasticity of the fibre allowing it to retain its shape, another one of nature’s miracles that merino wool was blessed with. It’s Modern and stylish Wool jumpers can sometimes shout “grandma’s hand-knitted jumper”, but Merino wool challenges by giving its wearer modern silhouettes and shapes that effortlessly add sophistication to any look. Merino garments come in a range of different knits and textures from the fine knit weave used to craft our merino pants for a more traditional looking fabric to chunkier on-trend knits used in our Avoca Scarf that will make any outfit winter ready. The colourfast properties of the wool make it perfect for soaking up dye, so Australian merino wool is available in a wide variety of vibrant, modern colours. It’s Hypoallergenic Synthetic fibres have a tendency to be treated with chemicals, for allergy sufferers and people with sensitive skin this can trigger contact dermatitis resulting in sore, itchy skin. Naturally occurring Australian Merino Wool is just that, Natural. It isn't made from or treated with harsh chemicals so you know exactly what you are wearing. Merino wool can act as a “second skin” for people with dry skin making it the perfect option for people with sensitive or dry skin. It has also been proven that merino wool is not an allergen making it perfect for the whole family, even allergy sufferers. It’s Renewable & sustainable Consumers are becoming increasingly socially aware of the products they are buying and Australian Merino wool ticks all the boxes. Merino wool is the responsible alternative to synthetic textiles as its organic, renewable and sustainable. Australian merino farmers are committed to raising their sheep in a natural way utilising fresh air, grass, clean water and the Australian sunshine. After all, Healthy and happy sheep means premium quality wool. The merino sheep grows an entirely new fleece every year which is then safely shorn off for the new fleece to grow in making wool sustainable. Not only is Australian Merino sustainably sourced and natural, it’s also biodegradable. Merino sheep if unshorn shed their fleece naturally, the fleece then breaks down in the soil within a number of years providing nutrients back to the soil. So after a long life of keeping you warm, you can feel assured that your Merino wool jumper won’t harm the planet. Your Merino garments will last you years to come but will break down into soil once you are done, reducing your footprint on the planet. It won’t itch We mentioned earlier how soft merino wool is but it also won't make you itch. This is how we know your new product will become one of your go-tos for travel, every day or even just relaxing. The fibres bend softly against your skin, making these garments perfect for long-haul travel or lazy afternoons hanging around your house. It’s UV resistant In the harsh Australian sun, keeping yourself safe from harmful UV rays is super important. Merino wool has got you covered, quite literally. Australian Merino wool can act as a barrier and just as it does for sheep, it absorbs UV rays keeping them away from your skin and ultimately keeping you sunburn free. Perfect for summer or those overcast days when we forget the UV is at its highest. It’s odour resistant Yes, you read that correctly, Australian Merino Wool is odour resistant! This means your jumpers will last you longer between washes while still feeling fresh and clean. Again, this is the magic of the merino wool fibre. The nature of the fibre means that Australian Merino Wool locks away odours and inhibits bacteria growth. Not only does this mean you can go longer between washes, you can feel confident on those warmer days that you will be fresh all day long. It’s Naturally elastic Merino wool has a natural elasticity, so whatever your body can do Merino wool can do too! Merino wool’s natural elasticity means it will stretch with you but will retain its natural shape once you are finished wearing the product. This not only provides superior value for money as your products will hold shape longer, it also allows for the ultimate comfort and flexibility. It is no surprise that Merino wool is not perfect for everyday wear but is becoming increasingly popular as activewear. By now we should have convinced you that Australian Merino wool is a perfect choice, not only for your winter wardrobe but your summer wardrobe too. Explore our full range of womenswear, menswear and accessories online now and add some amazing Merino wool to your wardrobe
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How to finish and dye wool?
Dyeing can occur at several points during the wool manufacturing pipeline depending on whether the wool goes through the woollen or worsted process. Wool can be dyed at the fibre, yarn, fabric or garment stage. Learn more about the wool manufacturing process here: https://ow.ly/1YX950PeMq9
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