The production of wool is sustainable and eco-friendly, as it is a natural and renewable resource that is produced by sheep. Wool biodegrades naturally in the soil, releasing essential nutrients back into the earth that are beneficial for plant growth. In contrast, synthetic fibers can take an extremely long time to decompose and contribute significantly to landfills.
Wool is composed of keratin, a natural protein that is similar to human hair, and is biodegradable thanks to microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria. The rate of biodegradation varies based on soil, climate, and wool characteristics. However, wool can biodegrade in as little as three to four months, returning important elements like nitrogen, sulphur, and magnesium back to the soil for use by plants.
When buried in soil, wool acts as a slow-release fertiliser that promotes the growth of other organisms. This is known as natural closed-loop recycling, which restores the initial inputs of soil and grass. Adding wool to soil also enhances water holding capacity, improves water infiltration, increases soil aeration, and reduces erosion.
Wool readily biodegrades in moist and warm conditions, which develop fungal and bacterial growth that produce enzymes to digest it. However, wool fibers are resilient and long-lasting in normal conditions due to the unique chemical structure of keratin and wool’s tough, water-repellent outer membrane. As a result, wool products do not contribute to landfills or microfiber pollution.
In contrast, synthetic textiles persist for many decades and can disintegrate into small fragments known as microplastics or microfibers that accumulate in aquatic environments and land disposal sites. These fragments have negative effects on ecosystems when consumed by organisms, and can potentially affect human health via seafood consumption. Therefore, wool is a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fibers.
