Merino Wool
Only the finest Australian Merino Wool is used in Sweater Works garments.
Wool is one of the oldest textile fibres known and has unique properties:
- Wool absorbs moisture vapour and provides comfort in both hot and cold weather. In cold weather, any moisture on the skin becomes cold but by absorbing the moisture, wool helps to keep us warm.
- Whilst absorbing moisture, wool repels liquids. In this way, wool clothing protects you in the rain.
- Wool has insulating properties which keep the body at an even temperature, preventing chills.
- Wool is fire resistant and does not melt when burned. It cannot stick to the skin and cause serious burns.
- Wool is naturally elastic and returns to its natural shape. This gives ease of movement when worn.
- Wool wears longer because its fibres stretch rather than break. It is extremely tough and durable.
Merino/Possum
Pure Merino Wool is combined with Possum Fur to produce a luxurious fibre softer, lighter and warmer than any fibre previously made.
It has superior wearing characteristics, washing well and being resistant to pilling (rubbing).
The possum fur comes from New Zealand where possums have been harvested since the late 1940’s. The possum is a pest in New Zealand having been introduced from Australia in the 1800’s to establish the fur industry. The possum now poses a threat to the environment as it destroys the habitat of native New Zealand birds and animals whilst also threatening agriculture and humans through the spread of disease. The possums are harvested humanely and the purchase of a possum product is actually assisting the restoration of the New Zealand environment.
Facts on the New Zealand Possum
- The possum was introduced into New Zealand from Australia
in the 1830's to start a fur trade. The possum thrived on New Zealand
's lush vegetation.
- The possum is a nocturnal animal.
- There are approximately 70 million wild
possums in New Zealand at present.
- Those 70 million possums consume around 20
tonne of vegetation per night.
- The possum spreads diseases such as tuberculosis to
cattle and other farmed animals.
- Possums have been found to eat Kiwi eggs.
- The New Zealand government spends around $1.5
million per week trying to eradicate this pest.
- There are no farmed possums in New Zealand. All are
wild.
- The New Zealand possum is accepted world wide as an
ecological fur – it is also one of the most luxurious furs in the
world.
