Sheep make an irreplaceable contribution to preserving biodiversity, protecting against erosion and keeping landscapes open. At the same time, their wool is a natural miracle fiber: wool is versatile, keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer. It is odor-neutralizing, breathable and biodegradable to boot. Yet despite its countless benefits, a large proportion of wool remains unused in Europe. It is high time that something changed – and this is precisely the mission of the Bavarian family-run company Baur Vliesstoffe with its highly functional wool padding Lavalan.

Sheep: Europe’s landscape gardeners

Sheep farming has a long tradition in Europe and has characterized the continent’s landscape for centuries. Sheep prevent scrub encroachment and reforestation of meadows and pastures by regularly grazing the plants. Without them, unique cultural landscapes such as the green hills of England or the open mountain landscapes of the Alps would be overgrown by shrubs and trees. Sheep also promote biodiversity by spreading plant seeds and fertilizing the soil. As natural ‘landscape managers’, they also contribute to erosion, avalanche and fire protection, for example by consolidating the sward on dams or in alpine terrain or by eating away dry grass and dead bushes.

The sheep’s wool protects them from the wind and weather all year round. To ensure their health, sheep must be shorn regularly. However, the demand for European wool has fallen sharply in recent decades. Synthetic fibers such as polyester have conquered the market, although their production is associated with considerable environmental problems. For shepherds, the decline in demand for wool is a major problem, as the income from wool sales often does not even cover the cost of shearing, which affects the profitability of sheep farms.

Let’s use what is already available!

The family-run company Baur Vliesstoffe has set itself the goal of giving European wool back its value. With its Lavalan wool insulation, the company has created a natural and sustainable alternative to synthetics that impresses across the board in terms of functionality. Lavalan is made exclusively from natural raw materials: European wool and a maize-based fiber. The fleece is available in various thicknesses and grammages and can be used for a wide range of products – from insulating jackets and gloves to duvets, sleeping bags and ski helmets.

Lavalan provides pleasant warmth, is extremely breathable, odor-neutralizing and temperature-regulating. The fleece is also machine washable and durable. In short: the perfect choice for consumers who want to set an example for sustainability, fairness and functionality with their purchasing decisions. More and more companies from the outdoor, fashion and clothing sectors are also recognizing the benefits: over 50 international brands now rely on Lavalan as an insulation material, including industry giants such as Amundsen, Fjällräven, Grüezibag, hessnatur, Pinewood, Roeckl, Tierra, Vaude and Ziener.

 

 

Photos: Lavalan