That Washable Wool Has Plastic on It
Should you care? Or carry on with merino wool regardless?
I’m obsessed with merino wool. I love how soft and fine it is, that it has moisture-wicking and temperature regulating properties in all weather. When I go snowboarding, every single thing that isn’t the outer shell –– leggings, shirt, zip up, glove liners, socks, balaclava, underwear and sports bra –– are all merino wool. When I go hiking in the desert, it’s a merino wool t-shirt and underwear and socks for me.
But there’s been one off note. For a couple of years now, I’ve been hearing about the fact that washable merino wool has an invisible polymer (plastic) coating on it. But I hadn’t been able to find out the exact details, until now.
A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to share what I know about hazardous chemistry and wool for the Good Wool Collective, a Scandinavia-based network of professionals involved in wool production that educates brands on how to source the best, most sustainable wool. The other presenter was Charlotte Høgedal, a chemical engineer and the dyemaster and dyehouse factory manager for Dilling, a Danish apparel brand. And her presentation was on a treatment called Superwash Hercosett.
This is what I was looking for! And with her permission, I’m sharing the most salient points with you.