Our favourite alternatives to wool

Wool is a popular material used in many garments due to its natural insulation, moisture regulation, and breathability. However, sheep farming for wool production requires certain resources, such as land and water, and the living conditions for the animals can vary. For those interested in alternatives, there are now numerous vegan options that offer both more environmentally friendly and animal-friendly properties. Here are some of our favourites for you.

Weganool

COTTON AND CALOTROPIS GIGANTEA

Weganool is a groundbreaking plant-based material developed as a cruelty-free and more sustainable alternative to cashmere. It offers the same cosy comfort but without the use of animal products. Made from 70% organically grown cotton and 30% fibres from the Calotropis Gigantea plant, which thrives in arid soils, it requires neither water nor pesticides.

An impressive feature is its low water consumption: producing 1 kg of Weganool saves 9,000 litres of drinking water compared to conventional wool. Additionally, local production in rural areas not only supports biodiversity and soil regeneration but also provides extra income opportunities for local communities. Did you know that the plant waste is turned into a natural insect repellent?

Nettle

NETTLE FIBRES

Nettle fibres are a true insider’s tip! They grow quickly, require minimal care, and are a more eco-friendly alternative to wool. What’s particularly remarkable is the versatility of the fibres: they are breathable and comparable to high-quality linen, while also giving fabrics a silky sheen. As a perennial plant that thrives on almost any soil, nettles don’t need harmful pesticides. Thanks to their hollow fibre structure, nettles provide natural insulation, making them ideal for clothing that is comfortable to wear in both summer and winter.

Woocoa

COCONUT AND HEMP 

A team of Colombian university students has developed a wool alternative made from coconut and hemp. Woocoa is a vegan wool material created from hemp and coconut fibres, and it won the PETA prize for animal-free wool at the Biodesign Challenge in 2018. The material is produced using enzymes from oyster mushrooms and is completely free from harmful chemicals.
In Colombia, coconut fibres are agricultural by-products, so the production of Woocoa not only recycles waste but also creates fair jobs. Coconut products have proven to be a good wool substitute, as shown by Nullarbor, another vegan wool made from coconut by-products.

These three vegan natural fibres are just a small glimpse into more resource-efficient and more environmentally friendly alternatives. More and more companies are developing plant-based textile innovations that avoid animal cruelty and open up new paths in the textile world. 

Want to learn more about more sustainable vegan fashion? 
Explore our shopping guide!

Source: 
peta​.org; materialarchiv​.ch; ardmediathek​.de; infantium​-victoria​.myshopify​.com