The problem of long transports we mentioned concerns not only cashmere but also other types of yarns. An example is Merino Wool, obtained from shearing sheep of the same breed.

In Italy, wool sheep farms are practically disappearing. For decades, Italian breeders have been encouraged to produce milk for cheese making and meat because they are more profitable.

On the contrary, wool, having no recognized economic value, is considered an expensive waste to dispose of, becoming a problem for breeders.

Thus, the Lanaioli project is born for a short supply chain aimed at obtaining zero-km wool from the national production of merino wool.

This goal is intended to be achieved through collaboration with breeders from central Italy of merino sheep breeds.

The Lanaioli merino wool short supply chain project continues with a proprietary breeding aimed at recovering an endangered sheep breed.

REDISCOVERY OF ITALIAN NATIVE MERINO BREEDS AT RISK OF EXTINCTION

Currently, the largest farms and the most advanced wool industries are located in Australia and New Zealand. Another area where merino wool farms are very large is South America, rich in vast pasturelands.

Lanaioli is collaborating with various stakeholders to create a network of companies that can independently produce high-quality merino wool.

The project involves the recovery of native breeds at risk of extinction and will be entirely carried out with Italian farms.

This will be the final step to close the Made in Italy circle, also on the origin of the yarn, as well as on the processing and production of knitwear.

ETHICS AND SUSTAINABILITY FOR A 100% MADE IN ITALY PRODUCTION OF MERINO WOOL

We want to guarantee local breeders a fair compensation for the wool they provide us. This helps them improve the animal breeds and allows us to process the wool in dedicated Italian facilities.

In this way, we obtain yarns of high quality that can compete with those from other parts of the world and use them in products under our brand.

This choice is demanding and full of challenges, but we have started exploring it to create a zero-kilometer wool production chain in Italy.

This reduces the environmental impact and cuts costs and problems related to long transportation of raw materials in Europe.

Moreover, Lanaioli is working on creating its own breeding of Italian merino sheep breeds at risk of extinction typical of Central Italy.

Our own breeding will guarantee certainty in the origin of the raw wool and continuous improvement, through careful selection, of the fibers that will be obtained.

Continue to follow us in this challenging project of environmental sustainability and labor dignity.