Polyester harms the environment. Every wash releases microplastics that end up in the water. Polyester is based on crude oil, a non-renewable raw material. Its production is associated with a number of environmental problems, including energy consumption, chemical emissions, water and air pollution. Polyester is not biodegradable and contributes to the waste problem. The natural and sustainable alternative: Wool!

Highly functional, 100 % natural and biodegradable: Wool is a versatile fiber. It has been developed by nature over thousands of years of evolution to protect wool-bearing animals from wind and weather throughout all four seasons, to keep them warm and to compensate for climatic fluctuations. Wool is a natural talent when it comes to regulating body temperature. Wool keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer. This makes it comfortable to wear in any weather. It absorbs perspiration and prevents the formation of bacteria that cause unpleasant odors.

An outstanding feature of wool is its ability to insulate, even when damp. This is particularly useful for outdoor activities where unforeseen weather conditions can occur. Wool is self-cleaning, which allows products to be worn for longer without frequent washing. It is also hypoallergenic, robust, and biodegradable. Wool can therefore contribute to the fight against the garment industry’s mountains of waste. And best of all, wool is a resource-saving AND renewable raw material. After all, sheep need to be shorn regularly to stay healthy.

Lavalan – the contemporary alternative to down and synthetics

Wool can not only be spun into yarn, but can also be used as an insulating material, as the Bavarian family business Baur Vliesstoffe impressively demonstrates with its wool padding Lavalan. Lavalan consists exclusively of natural raw materials: wool and maize. The fleece is available in various strengths and thicknesses and is used as a sustainable alternative to down or synthetics in a wide range of products – from insulating jackets and gloves to sleeping bags and ski helmets.

Lavalan is produced in Dinkelsbühl, Germany. The wool for Lavalan comes exclusively from Europe, which guarantees short transport routes. The origin of the wool can be traced back to the collection center. Tracemywool.com records the stages of the value chain. The route of the wool can also be traced by the end consumer via a code on the “tracemywool” hangtag, thus ensuring transparency and trust. Over 50 international brands from the outdoor fashion and children’s clothing sector now rely on Lavalan as insulation material, including industry giants such as Vaude, Fjällräven, Roeckl, Ziener, Hess Natur, Edelrid and Maier sports. 

 

European sheep – so much more than “just” wool suppliers

The use of European wool in outdoor clothing offers more than just functional benefits. In contrast to the huge flocks of sheep Down Under, sheep farming in Europe is very small-scale. It supports local farmers and promotes sustainable agriculture. European sheep play an important role in preserving biodiversity, protecting against erosion and avalanches and keeping landscapes open. Practices such as mulesing are prohibited and high animal welfare standards apply. Sheep in Europe are not kept for their wool. Quite the opposite. A significant proportion of European wool remains unused in sheep farms because there is no market for it. At the same time, shearing causes high costs that reduce the profitability of sheep farms. By buying European wool, consumers are therefore making a sustainable decision in many respects.

 

Lavalan Wool Insulation – Advantages at a Glance

  • Traceable European wool with short transport distances
  • Production in Germany
  • Only natural, renewable and biodegradable raw materials
  • Wool provides pleasant warmth, is extremely breathable, odor-neutralizing and temperature-regulating
  • Wool even warms when it is damp
  • Lavalan is machine-washable

More information from www.lavalan.com

 

Photos: Lavalan

Lavalan
info@norragency.com
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