Wool unique characteristics
For over a 1000 years, Icelandic weather has been a key factor in developing a protective wool, a natural shelter from tough conditions. It has resulted in becoming two-layer natural construction has remarkable insulation, breathability, and strength. This wool property is not common among sheep in other countries, i.e. there is little difference between the two- layers.
This two-layer characteristics of Icelandic wool is categories as Þel and Tog. Þel is the inner layer of the wool and has completely different properties than Tog. Tog is long glossy hair that is very strong, but Þel is fine, soft and matte. Þel keeps the sheep warm while Tog protects it from water. Additionally, the wool can absorb up to 30 percent of its own weight in water without feeling wet.
Wool shearing
Most Icelandic sheep are shorn twice a year, i.e. in the autumn and spring. The autumn shearing in October – November is done when the sheep are taken into their winter sheds. The Autumn wool has the best quality, free from contamination from the sheds and with good fiber length.
The spring shearing (snod) is done in February-April or 2-3 months before they are set free on the summer pastures. This is done to increase the quality of the upcoming wool autumn wool. However, the spring wool is well suited for a filler or in non-woven applications.
Ístex, the Icelandic Textiles Ltd., buys directly from farmers and processes about 99% of all Icelandic wool. Icelandic farmers own 80% of the company. The wool is then taken to local washing plant in the North of Iceland, where the first stage of the process is to ensure the quality and colour of the wool.
The next stage is washing, where the use of chemicals and detergents is kept to an absolute minimum to ensure that natural oils are preserved, leaving the wool as warm, light and water-resistant as nature herself made it.
Wool Certifications
Our supplier Ístex is commited to offer high quality Icelandic wool to customers that choose natural, sustainable and eco-friendly living. Icelandic farming has a strong dedication to animal welfare and environmentally friendly practices.
Ístex wool is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified and holds Woolmark certification.
