Organic wool differs significantly from conventional wool – in every step from animal husbandry to the finished fabric. For us, the focus is not only on materials being functional and durable, but also on them being produced responsibly.
A central issue is animal welfare, the way animals are kept. Organic wool comes from sheep in controlled, ecological animal husbandry. The sheep live outdoors in pastures that are free of pollutants and are kept in a species-appropriate manner. They are not preventatively treated with medication or antibiotics, as is common in conventional animal breeding. Particularly important here: organic wool is mulesing-free. In the mulesing procedure, skin around the tail is removed from lambs without anesthesia to prevent fly infestation. This is a painful practice that is unfortunately widespread in conventional wool production. The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) or Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) for certified wool, as we use at LangerChen, strictly prohibits mulesing.
Furthermore, organic wool ensures a lower environmental impact. The pastures are managed sustainably, and the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides is not permitted. Strict standards also apply in the subsequent production steps. For example, the use of chemicals is heavily regulated and all work steps must be carried out in a socially responsible manner.
From sheep to fabric: How organic wool is made
- Shearing & Sorting: The sheep are gently shorn, and the raw wool is classified by quality, length, and fineness.
- Washing: In several steps, the raw wool is freed from lanolin, dust, and plant residues. This is done without aggressive chemicals.
- Carding & Combing: The fibers are aligned in parallel, and short fibers are removed. This creates even slivers – the basis for fine yarns.
- Spinning & Dyeing: The slivers are spun into yarn and dyed as needed. Our wool supplier covers these steps with their own certified production facilities.
- Weaving/Knitting & Fulling: Fabrics are made from the yarns, which are then fulled. Through heat, water, and movement, the fibers felt slightly. The fabric thus becomes denser, more durable, and naturally water-repellent.
- Garment Making: In our LangerChen factory, durable garments are created from the fabrics. High-quality, fair, and sustainable.
Organic wool therefore means for LangerChen the highest animal welfare standards, no mulesing practices, strict environmental regulations, and transparent supply chains. Together with our wool suppliers and our own GOTS-certified factory, we ensure that our jackets, parkas, and coats made from organic wool are not only functional and durable, but also carry a piece of responsibility – from sheep to finished fabric.
