Tasmanian Wool

Variety: Tasmanian wool.

Fibre Origin: Merino sheep.

Provenance: Tasmania, southern mainland Australia.

Characteristics:

  • Soft and very fine fibre.
  • Thickness from 16.5 to 25 microns.
  • Variety of thicknesses and natural colours.
  • Resistant to tearing.
  • 100% sustainable and ecological raw material.
  • Absorbs up to 35% of its own weight in moisture.
  • Good insulation.
  • Has anti-static properties.
  • Used in the production of clothing because it is a durable, moisture-transporting material that is less likely to emit odour.
  • Sourced from sheep fed on protein-rich grass.

Tasmanian wool is a variety of wool indigenous to the pristine island of Tasmania located 240 km south of Australia. Like many other types of wool, it is derived from the Merino sheep, a sheep breed originating in North Africa. However, it became renowned and of higher quality when it was introduced to Australia due to crossbreeding between sheep by local farmers.

This type of wool is noted for having a soft and very fine fibre with a thickness of 16.5-19.5 microns. Due to its quality, high tear strength and variety of natural colours, Tazmanian wool is highly valued in garment production.

The production of Tasmanian wool is done in a traditional, 100% ecological and environmentally friendly way. The sheep's food source is mainly based on local grasses.

The characteristics of Tasmania wool have made it an excellent alternative to synthetics because of its commitment to sustainability, ideal for consumers looking for high-quality materials.

HISTORY OF TASMANIAN WOOL

Tasmanian wool is the natural fibre obtained from a type of Merino sheep bred on farms in Tasmania. This species comes from North Africa and was introduced to Australia in the 19th century, finding the pristine island a favourable environment for its development.

The environmental conditions of the eastern part of the island of Tasmania have made it an ideal habitat for Merino sheep, providing a moderate climate and open, fertile pastures all year round. It is these factors that have allowed for the good development of this animal species and the uniform growth of high-quality fibre, known as Tasmanian wool.

WHAT ARE ITS ORIGINS?

The name Tazmanian wool refers to the place of origin of the Merino sheep. This animal species originated in North Africa, then was brought to Spain in the Middle Ages and later to Australia with the European settlers.

The Merino sheep that arrived in Australia found the island of Tasmania an ideal place because of its geographical conditions. Farmers crossbred the sheep to produce finer wool than the domestic cut and with a higher quality profile.

Due to the quality of the wool produced by this breed of sheep, over the years they have invested in their breeding, obtaining a soft, very fine and tear-resistant fibre.

CHARACTERISTICS OF TASMANIAN WOOL

  • Soft to the touch with a flaky surface.
  • It is finer than merino wool.
  • The fibre has irregular wefts that allow it to retain body heat.
  • Curly fibre gives the wool greater quality and fineness.
  • This sheep breed has a long, evenly grown coat.
  • The fibre contains keratin and protein.
  • Merinos produce 2 to 4 kg of wool annually and must be sheared once or twice a year.
  • They usually have white fleece which grows in small thick clusters. It can also be black or brown.
  • The habitat conditions on the island of Tasmania have been a key factor in enabling Merino sheep to produce high-quality, durable and hard-wearing wool.

BENEFITS OF TASMANIAN WOOL

  • Finer than other types of merino wool: This quality gives the wool greater flexibility, breathability and quality. It also influences the price.
  • Ecological: Tasmania wool is a 100% natural fibre that is obtained taking into account the welfare of the animal. It is also biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
  • Resistant and durable: This type of wool is resistant to high temperatures, humidity and tearing. This quality provides greater durability to garments made with this fibre.
  • Flexible and light: Tazmania wool fibres can be easily bent without breaking due to their thickness. This quality gives Tasmanian wool more comfort.
  • Thermal properties: Because of the irregular weave structure of the fibre, it can keep the body warm even when wet. In hot weather, the air chambers between the fibres allow moisture vapour to be transported away from the skin.
  • Versatility: Tasmanian wool is multifunctional, it can be used in the textile industry and even in agriculture.
  • Moisture absorbing: Tasmania wool absorbs part of its weight in moisture, preventing it from feeling damp to the touch.
  • Easy to care for: the properties of Tasmanian wool significantly reduce the maintenance needs of the fibre.
  • Delays the appearance of odours: This type of wool has antibacterial properties, preventing unpleasant odours.
  • Protects against ultraviolet rays: Tasmania wool fibre contains keratin that absorbs part of the ultraviolet radiation, providing UV filters.

USES

Merino sheep in Tasmania must be sheared at least once a year to avoid heat build-up in the animals, limitations on their movement and other things.

Fortunately, the Tasmanian wool that is produced has been transformed into a usable resource with a variety of uses:

  • Clothing: Due to the quality and properties of the fibre, Tasmanian wool is widely used for underwear. It is a material that does not itch on the body, as well as being durable.
  • Manufacture of articles for the home: As it is such a thin fibre, it is possible to make a garment with a dense weave, ideal for household articles.
  • Natural insulation for winter clothing.
  • Agriculture: It can be used as a fertiliser as it will decompose when discarded, releasing nutrients into the soil.
  • Tasmanian wool balls: Necessary for handicrafts, as well as in the manufacture of garments and textiles.

In addition to all the specific uses of Tasmanian wool, it can be combined with other materials to give it greater versatility.

Conclusion

Tasmania wool is a multifunctional natural fibre with properties that make it stand out in different areas, especially in the textile world.

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