Does wool decompose in the soil?
Wool is a natural fiber derived from the shearing of sheep. Sheep produce wool naturally and continuously, it is part of their nature. When Merino wool fabrics are disposed of, they naturally decompose in the soil, releasing useful nutrients. Unlike synthetic fibers , which accumulate in landfills for a long time, contributing to global pollution.
Wool is biodegradable even in the marine environment, unlike microplastics from synthetic fabrics, which are harmful to marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Why is wool biodegradable?
Wool, like all natural fibres, is biodegradable, meaning it can be decomposed by living organisms such as fungi and bacteria. Additionally, wool is made up of keratin, a natural protein similar to that of human hair. When keratin is broken down by natural organisms, it has no negative impact on the environment.
How long does wool take to decompose?
Wool fabrics can decompose up to 95% after 15 weeks in the soil, releasing essential elements such as nitrogen and sulphur, which are beneficial for crops. However, some treatments that are done during the production of the fabric can affect biodegradability. For example, dyeing wool increases the resistance to decomposition slightly (8 weeks). On the contrary, the anti-shrinkage treatment speeds up the degradation process of the wool.
Wool decomposes rapidly in hot and humid conditions, favored by the action of fungi and bacteria. Introduced into the soil, wool becomes a slow-release fertilizer, providing nutrients for the growth of other organisms and contributing to a range of benefits, including increased water-holding capacity and reduced erosion.
Unlike synthetic fabrics, wool does not contribute to landfill saturation or microplastic pollution, as it decomposes naturally without accumulating in the environment. Studies from 2020 have shown that the polyamide resin used in the treatment of wool does not cause microplastic pollution.
Is wool ecological and sustainable?
Wool is an ecological and sustainable choice as it is biodegradable, releases nutrients into the soil and does not contribute to the release of microplastics into the environment.
For this reason Lanaioli has chosen to produce its garments only with natural fibres such as wool, cashmere, silk and cotton.
