Discarded items that make their way into landfills are a huge global problem, causing damage to our environment on an inconceivable scale. Luckily, wool is a durable and highly sustainable textile. By opting for high-quality woollen items that are easily recycled, we are helping to reduce the impact.
Research indicates that wool has several lifespans, with a woollen product lasting around 25-30 years, sometimes longer. The well-established Prato wool recycling hub in Italy is world-renowned for its expertise in wool recycling.
Recycled Wool
Wool is an ideal product for recycling, and purchasing recycled wool benefits the environment, extending the lifespan of fibres that have already been produced. Wool products such as jumpers or scarves can be recycled even when in poor condition.
In a closed-loop recycling system, old articles are converted into raw recycled yarn which can then be used to create new items.
First, non-recyclable items such as zips are removed. The fabric is then passed through a shredding machine which produces recycled fibres. These fibres are mixed together, thereby producing different colours without the need for dyes or additives. Finally, these recycled wool fibres are sent to a spinning mill where they are spun into new yarn. This expert system produces recycled wool.
In an open-loop recycling system, the woollen items are pulled apart and repurposed into other articles such as insulation or mattresses.
Re-engineering involves taking woollen items that are at the end of their life span and upcycling them to give them a new purpose. For example, an old wool jumper might be recrafted into a cushion cover or bag.
Knitting
For those looking to embark on the journey of knitting items such as scarves, blankets and jumpers, knitting kits, such as a Wool Couture knitting kit, are an ideal place to start. These contain everything you need, from the yarn and needles to a pattern and instructions.
Take pride in producing beautiful hand-crafted knitted items, as well as knowing that you are engaging in a sustainable and ethical practice that reduces your environmental impact on the planet.