Early stage wool processing takes the raw, also called greasy, wool and scours it, cards it,
and combs it. The result is called a sliver, a long bundle of wool fibre. The sliver is wound into a ball, and this is called top. From the top, wool can be spun into yarn.
Brands can treat wool top with a shrink-proofing process which involves oxidising the fibre and adding an insoluble, non-plastic compound like Hercosett resin.
Due to the partial removal of wool’s protective outer cuticle during the shrink-proofing process, the fibre’s compromised outer layer allows microbes better access, which actually increases the treated garment’s biodegradability rate.
This ensures that cherished woollen items endure the spin cycle with ease while increasing the biodegradability of a wool garment at its end-of-life without contributing to microplastic pollution.
Learn more about value-add finishes for wool products in the Woolmark Learning Centre: https://ow.ly/QPNQ50Q1XS3
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