Unacceptable quantities of pollution are produced by overproduction and overconsumption in the textile and apparel sectors. For companies, designers, and manufacturers looking to move to a Circularity business model and create sound-cycle goods, wool is a better option. In terms of raw material production and usage in the textile industry, wool is an excellent illustration of a circular economy. Not only is the circular economy beneficial for the environment, but it is also good for business.
What is the process of circulation?
The textiles recycled as often as they keep their best value and securely returned to the ecology when they are old are used to describe the Circularity of the garment industry. The best strategy is to reuse clothing and make fewer purchases. On the whole, this will be quite beneficial for the Earth. In other words, fashion goods ought to be made with consideration for the environment, non-toxicity, repeatability, and recycled material. Sustainable manufacturing methods and recyclable materials must be considered while developing circular economy goods.
Circularity of wool
Wool is a resource that can be replenished by sheep, has a high rate of reuse and recycling, and is biodegradable when the fibre nutrients are put back into the soil for future use. There is more going on than just recycling. It is genuine circularity. The production of wool can significantly reduce carbon emissions and increase biodiversity. Additionally, wool fibres do not release microplastics, in contrast to synthetic fibres. The textile sector is facing a significant issue because of this.
Types of wool
There are several types of wool. While certain types of wool are more rigid and more elastic and appropriate for carpets and mattresses, others are softer than cashmere. Depending on how many microns each fibre has, the wool may be categorised into three primary types.
Fine: Merino sheep provide the finest micron wool.
Medium: A single merino species or mating can produce wool with a medium micron count.
Broad: A wide variety of sheep breeds create wider wool.
Wool usage phase
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Longer life span
The most important aspect influencing the environmental effect of clothing is how frequently it is worn. Wool clothing will often endure longer than clothing made of other sorts of materials.
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Less wash required
Odours, stains, and wrinkles are less likely to occur with wool. As a result, people wash woollen clothing less frequently than other textile clothing, dry them at moderate temperatures more regularly than they tumble dry them, use less energy, and save detergent.
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High potential for recycling and reuse
The wool sector is exceptional because it has been converting used and worn-out clothing into new wool items for more than 200 years, following an economically feasible recycling path. Even after a garment has served one person for its whole lengthy life, the qualities of wool are so highly regarded that the fibres may be used in three further applications.
- First life extension – Reuse
- Second life extension – Closed loop recycling
- Third life extension – Open-loop recycling
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Easy disposal
In both terrestrial and aquatic habitats, wool is a 100 per cent biodegradable fibre that releases essential nutrients and carbon to the ground over time. The contamination from microplastics is not increased by this biodegradation.
Positive Effects of the Circular Fashion Economy
The circularity fashion movement has four key advantages:
- Low reliance on imports in general.
- Industrial growth and job creation in the green sector.
- Brands with a positive environmental reputation are more well-liked by consumers.
- Lessen the mining industry’s adverse ecological effects.
