Sectors That Use Woollen Yarns

Thanks to its unique characteristics, which are not found in any other material, wool has been used for centuries for different purposes. It has properties such as thermal insulation, high resistance and great softness. In addition, being of natural origin and biodegradable, it is a responsible alternative to synthetic fibres.

Its versatility makes it an indispensable material in fashion and decoration, as well as in various industrial and technical sectors.

In recent years, the demand for wool yarns has grown significantly, driven by the search for ecological and sustainable materials. In this article, we analyse the key sectors that use yarns made from this material, their main applications and the trends that are shaping the future of this fibre.

Fashion and textile manufacturing

The fashion sector is one of the main consumers of wool yarn, which is widely used in the manufacture of thermal clothing, as it provides comfort and protection in cold climates.

Types of thread used:

• Combed wool: It undergoes a combing process that eliminates the shorter fibres, resulting in a softer and more uniform fabric. It is highly valued in haute couture fashion, especially for making garments that require a fine and sophisticated texture.
• Carded wool: This retains more short fibres, obtaining greater volume and texture. It is ideal for making warm clothing because its spongy structure allows for greater heat retention without compromising comfort.

Trends:

• Traceability and organic certification: Consumers and brands are increasingly demanding transparency in the supply chain, which has led to the adoption of certifications that guarantee that wool comes from responsible sources.
• Recycled wool and sustainable production processes: With the rise of circular fashion, the reuse of fibres from used garments or production surpluses has become a growing practice.

Home textiles and upholstery

Wool is also used in home decoration and upholstery because of its insulating capacity and attractive appearance. In addition, its durability and strength make it ideal for the manufacture of furniture and decorative items exposed to constant use.

• Decoration and the home: Frequently used in the manufacture of carpets, curtains, blankets and bed linen, wool helps to improve the feeling of warmth in spaces.
• Upholstery: Wool is used in sofas, chairs and luxury furniture because of its strength, softness and sophisticated appearance, as its texture and natural colours provide an elegant finish.

Advantages:

• Insulating and thermo-regulating properties: Helps maintain a comfortable temperature in the home.
• Highly resistant to wear and fading: Retains its shape and colour for years, even with frequent exposure to sunlight.

Trends:

• Increased demand for chemical-free, organic wool: Production processes free of harmful substances and environmentally friendly.
• Development of smart fibres: Innovations in the treatment of this material are enabling the creation of fabrics with greater resistance to liquids, dirt and bacteria.

Footwear and accessories

Wool has found a niche in the manufacture of footwear and accessories, where its comfort and thermal regulation properties are put to good use.

• Footwear: Merino wool is used in the manufacture of slippers, boots and thermal insoles to provide lightness and breathability.

• Accessories: Wool yarns are very useful in the making of caps, gloves, bags, scarves and other garments, combining style and functionality.

Trends:

• Innovation in technical wool for sports and outdoor footwear: Specialist footwear brands are developing new technologies that incorporate treated wool to improve its resistance to water and wear and tear.
• Interest in products made from recycled and chemical dye-free wool: This not only reduces environmental impact, but also guarantees products that will not affect the skin.

Industrial and technical sector

Beyond fashion and the home, wool is used in industrial and technical applications thanks to its strength, insulating capacity and sustainability.

• Thermal and acoustic insulation: Used in construction and interior design as an insulating material in walls, ceilings and floors. Its ability to retain heat in winter and dissipate it in summer helps to improve energy efficiency. In addition, its porous structure allows it to absorb sound in enclosed spaces.
• Automotive and aeronautics: It is used in the manufacture of upholstery and interior coverings for cars and aeroplanes, providing comfort, elegance and greater fire safety, thanks to its natural resistance to combustion. It also helps to reduce vibrations and noise in cabins.
• Medical industry: Use in bandages, antibacterial textiles and orthopaedic products, taking advantage of its hypoallergenic properties and its ability to absorb moisture without generating unpleasant odours.

Trends:

• Development of smart textiles and technical wool: Creation of smart textiles with antimicrobial properties, water resistance and thermal self-regulation capacity for specialised applications.
• Replacement of synthetic materials with wool in industrial products: This is with the aim of reducing the use of plastics and petroleum derivatives, and improving the biodegradability of the final products.

Wool yarns will continue to be a fundamental raw material in various sectors thanks to their versatility, sustainability and exceptional physical properties.

Choosing the right type of yarn allows companies to optimise their production and offer more innovative and sustainable products. With the growing demand for environmentally friendly materials, wool will continue to play a key role in the textile industry.