The Concept of Circularity in the Wool Industry and Its Functioning

In the textile industry, circular designing works with the help of regenerative materials. Biodegradation, rescue, and recycling are at the heart of the initiative that keeps a garment in use. Concerning the environmental crisis, sustainable fashion choices are the call of the time. Circularity in wool textiles is one of the mightiest initiatives towards a better and healthier world.

How Does Circularity in the Wool Industry Work?

Wool is naturally a circular fibre because it is grown by sheep. Also, the wool thread doesn’t leave microplastics, in divergence from synthetic fibres. In the textile industry, the issue of microplastics has been a real one for synthetic fibres. To avoid plastic pollution, the following maintainable steps will help the wool industry for creating a circular economy:

Using Renewable Resources

Each year, sheep produce a fresh fleece, establishing wool as a renewable source of fibre. Water, fresh air, green grass, and sunlight help the sheep to grow the wool naturally. In the human body, hair grows naturally because of the natural diet. Similarly, the sheep’s natural diet helps with the emergence of wool on its body.

Long-Time Sustenance

Scientific research has shown that garments and their production influence the environment. The interconnection of fashion and ecological footprint is a strong one to consider. That is why international brands are slowly shifting towards creating garments that will last longer. Brands and manufacturers have to consider the following facts for the initiative:

• Creating garments that will be easier to reshape in a new fashion era.
• Using quality fibres like wool that one can recycle in open-loop and closed-loop.
• Using environment-friendly colours, finishes, and methods.
• Choosing durable and quality thread for production.
• Syncing the product manufacture with the needs of the customer.
• Making sure that the unusable wool is dissolving in the soil.

Reducing Wastage of Water and Energy

Each year 92 million tonnes of clothes get wasted globally. But that will not happen to wool because it will work as a fertiliser for the soil. In contrast, this is not the case with synthetic fibres. In comparison to polyester, 18% less energy is used by wool. While making winter wear, wool needs 70% less water than cotton.

Regeneration

Sheep live on green grasslands. Sheep are grazing creatures apt for renewing agricultural structures to form soil organic substances, aid biodiversity and confiscate carbon. This is how sheep contribute to the evolving ecosystem by participating in regenerative agriculture.

Restoration & Reprocess

With first, second, and third life extensions, wool can go a long way. In the reuse or first extension, wool works as it is the most sold and denoted fibre for longevity. In the closed-loop or second extension, it takes the form of high-quality new fabric via deconstruction and reprocessing. In the last extension, or open-loop, it comes back to life in the form of cheaper non-woven goods.

Reconnection

Moreover, the prolonged process unites people via business, jobs and welfare. Many people are getting clothes. Employment issues are also getting solved in the process. Eventually, in the sharing process, people from all over the world come together for a better cause and to uphold biodiversity.

Circularity looks at the selfless and bigger picture of garment manufacturing. The world is not only about the present. It pushes people to learn from the past. It also encourages humanity to implement the teachings in the future. Therefore, thinking about the future generation, society should be responsible for the use of natural resources.