Merino Wool: 10 Common Misconceptions

Shed light on how unique and sustainable merino is.

US Merino Wool Sweaters

Introducing the 4th blog in my 4-part blog series about our new US Merino Wool Sweaters. This blog debunks a few misconceptions about merino wool and unravels the truth behind them.

• Ultimate Guide to Merino Wool
• US Merino Certifications
• History Of US Merino Wool
• 10 Common Merino Misconceptions

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Merino wool is a remarkable natural fiber with a host of benefits, but it has also been the subject of various misconceptions over the years.

These can sometimes deter people from fully appreciating the versatility and utility of merino wool.

Let's debunk some of the most common misconceptions about this extraordinary natural material.

1. Merino Wool Production Always Involves Mulesing

Responsible merino production, as certified by organizations like RWS and NATIVA, prioritizes the welfare of the sheep.

Mulesing, a controversial practice, is prohibited by ethical ranches. Proper care and humane practices ensure the sheep's well-being.

2. Merino Wool Is Not Animal-Friendly

Merino wool is animal-friendly. It's important to acknowledge that merino sheep's continuous wool growth, a trait developed through domestication, requires regular shearing to prevent health issues.

If left unchecked, the weight of the wool can strain the sheep, and the accumulation of lanolin can lead to discomfort. Furthermore, excessive wool growth can cover their eyes, impeding their vision and overall well-being.

Ethical shearing practices are designed with the welfare of the sheep in mind. For instance, the New Zealand method emphasizes gentle and low-stress handling techniques during shearing. This approach prioritizes the comfort and safety of the animals, minimizing any potential distress or injury.

3. Merino Wool Production Is Harmful To The Environment

Sustainable, ethical merino wool production can be environmentally friendly.

Ranches with RWS and NATIVA certifications focus on regenerative agriculture, conservation, reduced chemical use, and biodiversity, minimizing their footprint.

4. Merino Wool Production Requires Excessive Water/Land

Merino wool production is less water-intensive than some plant-based fibers, like non-organic cotton. Their primary diet is forage, which includes pasture grasses and hay.

Merino sheep are also typically raised in areas with minimal arable land, making them well-suited for grazing on marginal lands. Sustainable ranching practices and certifications aim to minimize environmental impacts, including water and land use, through responsible land management.

5. All Merino Wool Is Imported Into The USA

Not all merino wool comes from overseas! We've sourced an extraordinary type of merino wool from a collective of 7 ranches in California, Nevada, Oregon, and Colorado. This collective of ranchers is called Shaniko.

Jeanne Carver leads it from the Imperial Wool Ranch, located in Shaniko Oragan, the once wool capital of the world. It was the first ranch in the US to get the coveted Responsible Wool Standard certification (RWS).

6. Sustainability Certifications Are Ineffective

While certifications are not without challenges, they provide a valuable framework for accountability and transparency in the industry.

Certifications like RWS and NATIVA set standards and encourage ranches to adopt responsible practices.

Both certify that all businesses involved in the wool industry meet animal welfare, land management, and social requirements.

They help farmers, businesses, and brands in the wool industry to mark their products as authentic and fully traceable from farm to product.

7. Merino Wool Is Not Biodegradable

Merino wool is 100% biodegradable. Wool comprises the natural protein keratin. When keratin is broken down naturally by microorganisms, the products do not pose any environmental hazard. They readily biodegrade in 3 to 4 months and act as natural fertilizers by slowly releasing valuable nutrients and carbon into the soil.

8. Sustainable Merino Wool Is Hard To Verify

While verifying sustainability claims can be challenging, certifications like RWS and NATIVA offer a reliable way for consumers to identify products from ranches that adhere to ethical and sustainable practices.

NATIVA verification is stored on the blockchain, helping businesses, and consumers identify fully sustainable and traceable wool fiber.

9. Sustainable Merino Wool Is Scarce

While not all merino wool products are sustainable, the availability of sustainable options has been steadily increasing. Many ranches and brands are embracing ethical and sustainable practices, making it easier for consumers to choose environmentally responsible merino wool products.

10. Merino Wool Farming Leads To Overgrazing

Sustainable merino wool ranches prioritize responsible land management practices to prevent overgrazing and minimize environmental impacts.

Techniques like rotational grazing help maintain the health of pastures and ecosystems, ensuring that overgrazing is avoided.

Proper regenerative grazing of merino sheep gives back to the earth and its ecosystem. Merino sheep naturally return nutrients to the soil by depositing naturally occurring fertilizers, increasing microbial health and diversity.

Knowing Your Facts Helps Nature

Information plays a significant role in the clothing industry. It's important to be mindful of where your clothes come from and their environmental impact when shopping.

By addressing some misconceptions about merino, we hope to shed light on its unique and sustainable qualities. Merino is more than just a material; it's a renewable fiber that should be grown ethically and sustainably without harm to animals.

Sustainability is more than just a trend; it's a way of living that fosters harmony with nature for future generations.

As stewards of our planet, having the right facts can help us make environmentally responsible choices.

If you believe that every good wardrobe starts with owning less and owning better, consider buying yourself an OLIVER CHARLES sweater.