By Elise Demboski,Consultant, Wools of New Zealand
Mother Nature really outdid herself when it came to wool. Though it as been around for centuries, wool still continues to amaze us with its benefits—many of which man has yet to replicate. Wool is a natural fiber that embraces our lives and the only one that can clothe, protect, comfort and inspire us to live well.

New Zealand wool—grown on the lush fields of a country committed to environmental excellence—is recognized as the cleanest, whitest wool in the world. Its luster, color, dyeing characteristics and versatility make it a luxurious and sought-after fiber.

The sustainable, renewable and biodegradable benefits of wool start on the farm, where sheep graze on grass—a naturally regenerating plant. Fleeces are grown, shorn and naturally replenished every six to 12 months and soil is revitalized by nutrients released when wool biodegrades.

New Zealand farmers follow strict animal welfare practices and run one of the world’s greenest animal production systems. Flocks are raised on terrain unsuitable for most other agricultural purposes and are rotated regularly to ensure the land will provide this natural resource for future generations.

Before New Zealand wool is spun into yarn, it is scoured using energy and water-efficient systems. Nutrients from the woolscour are regularly combined and composted with greenwaste for use in domestic gardens. The energy used to shear, scour and spin wool fiber into yarn is one-third to one-sixth less than to produce polypropylene or nylon fiber. Man-made fibers also require additional application of anti-soil agents, unlike wool, which is naturally stain resistant.

Once installed, wool carpets get to work, improving our indoor environments in a number of natural ways:

• Able to absorb airborne contaminants and purify indoor air.

• Non-allergenic—wool does not promote the growth of bacteria or dust mites.

• Capable of retaining and releasing moisture during periods of high or low humidity, creating comfortable indoor environments.

• Bulky and resilient with superior sound and insulation properties.

• Naturally resistant to soiling and staining for exceptionally easy maintenance.

• Safe for use with fireplaces and candles because of wool’s natural fire retardancy.

• Crush resistant with natural coils that spring-back from the pressure of heavy furniture and foot traffic.

• Unique in its ability to age gracefully and maintain its good looks longer.

• Exceptionally comfortable thanks to wool’s toe-curling softness.

At the end of the day, wool is a superb natural product derived in an environmentally responsible way.