The Value of European Wool

The Bavarian ingredient brand Lavalan uses solely European wool to produce wool insulation used in outdoor clothing collections, and in doing so supports regional trade.

Lavalan – your name sounds as soft as the raw material that you use to make it. What does it mean?

Peter Krommer: That’s true, and people often say that. The name comes from Latin and is made up of the words lavare (to wash) and lana (wool). So it means washable wool. The fact that you can wash our wool fleece is one of our key USPs.

Where do you get the wool for your Lavalan products from?

Peter Krommer: We work with shepherds and partner companies in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Sweden and Norway. The diversity of different breeds of sheep is huge and the particular qualities of the wool vary from region to region. In Norway the climate is different to southern Germany, affecting the wool’s character. By sorting the wool according to its fineness, length, crimp and homogeneity, we create a high-quality product.

Do the sheep live well too?

Peter Krommer: The sheep really do get well looked after, especially in comparison to other farm animals. They’re allowed to spend most of the year outside in the fresh air. Sheep farming in Europe is very fragmented and is very much based on the natural behavior of the animals. For example, in Switzerland the average size of a herd is around 70 animals. Sheep farming makes a significant contribution to maintaining biodiversity, preserving the countryside and protecting nature. When I visit sheep farms, whether they are in Norway, Switzerland or Southern Germany, I always feel reassured that we are doing the right thing.

How does wool’s technical properties affect Lavalan’s wadding?

Peter Krommer: Wool is made up of 80% hollow spaces and can therefore store body heat very well. It can also absorb up to 36% of its dry weight in moisture and constantly releases this moisture. This makes wool exceptionally breathable and ensures a consistent, dry and comfortable feel. Wool can also neutralise bad smells, so garments can be worn for a long time without needing to be washed.

Wool is also naturally renewable and becomes available every year in Europe as a by-product of the meat industry. Moreover, wool is completely biodegradable, but can also be recycled very easily.

Which products can we find Lavalan wool wadding in currently?

Peter Krommer: Our Lavalan wool wadding comes in lots of different weights and qualities, and therefore has a diverse range of uses, e.g. in kids, ski and outdoor clothing, duvets, prams, sleeping bags, helmets, gloves and much more besides.

Learn more about Lavalan’s fibrefill made from European virgin wool and its latest product Lavalan Pure. www.lavalan.com