How Wisewool Controls Vegetable Matter in Strong Wool

May 2

Key Takeaways:

Vegetable matter (VM) refers to plant debris such as seeds, grass and twigs found in raw wool
High VM content can negatively impact wool’s comfort, cleanliness, and processing.
Wisewool™ enforces a strict VM limit of 0.1% (greasy), precisely measured
VM control starts with NZFAP-certified farms and continues through gentle, chemical-free cleaning methods.
Low VM levels enhance performance for bedding, upholstery, and textiles.

“Wisewool™ goal is to ensure that at least 60% of our greasy wool inputs are 0.0% VM. While it would be ideal to use 100% 0.0% greasy wool, we understand this isn't sustainable long-term due to its seasonal availability and limited supply.”
- Angus Hansen

Why High VM Levels Are Problematic

Excessive VM negatively impacts wool products in several ways:

Unpleasant texture: VM creates roughness and discomfort in finished goods.
Processing inefficiency: Debris can damage machinery and complicate wool carding.
Inconsistent products: VM reduces uniformity, impacting product reliability.
Consumer concerns: Visible impurities compromise perceptions of cleanliness and quality.

Ensuring low VM content is essential for premium wool products.

Wisewool’s Approach to Controlling VM

At Wisewool™, VM control is deeply integrated into our processes - from farm sourcing through to final production - reflecting our commitment to quality and sustainability.

Strict A-Grade VM Standards

Wisewool™ exclusively uses wool meeting our A-grade fleece specification, limiting VM content to 0.1% (greasy), ensuring a final test result of 0.0% VM content after scouring. We achieve consistency by testing VM content meticulously to one decimal place.

NB: Achieving a 0.0% VM result after scouring doesn’t guarantee that Wisefill™ or Wiselayer™ will be completely free of tiny VM flecks - some minimal traces may still be present.

Sourcing from NZFAP-Certified Farms

Wisewool™ sources exclusively from NZFAP-certified farms adhering to high environmental and animal welfare standards. Farmers actively manage VM at the source by:

Avoiding heavily seeded pastures pre-shearing.
Regularly crutching and dagging sheep.
Ensuring that when sheep are brought in to the yards for animal health maintenance practices such as shearing, the lane ways, gateways and paddocks that the sheep pass through are free of all vegetable matter that they could brush against.

Precise Manual Sorting

Post-shearing, wool undergoes manual skirting, removing heavily contaminated sections. This ensures only the cleanest fleece moves forward.

Gentle, Efficient Mechanical Processing

Wisewool™ utilises precision carding machinery, effectively dislodging VM without compromising fibre quality or strength.

Chemical-Free, Gentle Scouring

We partner with New Zealand scourers employing eco-friendly processes:

Hot water and biodegradable detergents
Multi-stage rinsing without harsh chemical treatments
No carbonising methods, preserving wool’s natural integrity

How Close to VM-Free is Realistic?

While absolute VM-free wool isn't feasible, Wisewool™ gets remarkably close through stringent control measures without harsh chemical interventions like carbonising. Our approach ensures wool purity, softness, and sustainability. Occasional flecks signify authentic, naturally processed wool, valued by consumers seeking genuinely natural products.

    
        Feature
        Wisewool™
        Industry Standard
    
        VM threshold (greasy)
        0.1%
        Typically 1-2%
    
        Carbonising process
        No
        Occasionally used
    
        Precision of VM testing
        One decimal place
        Often approximate
    
        Wool Sourcing
        Exclusively NZFAP-certified
        Mixed sources
    
        Processing Methods
        Gentle mechanical and chemical-free
        Potentially harsh chemical use

Wisewool™ distinguishes itself through rigorous VM standards, ethical sourcing, and sustainable practices.

The Practical Benefits for Consumers

Choosing Wisewool™ means selecting wool that delivers:

Enhanced Comfort – Soft, VM-free wool improves comfort significantly.
Consistent Quality – Uniform wool batting or felts ensure reliability.
Natural Cleanliness – Minimal processing without sacrificing cleanliness. This ensures that Wisewool™ products maintain wool’s natural attributes.

Wisewool™ ensures you receive wool products of exceptional purity and performance.

Conclusion: The Wisewool Advantage

Wisewool™ leads in VM management, delivering consistently pure and high-quality strong wool through rigorous standards, careful sourcing, and gentle processing. Our commitment provides you with superior, sustainable wool products that outperform traditional alternatives.