Moderate
Material Deep Dive
Merino Wool
Merino wool shows strong end-of-life and use-phase performance but scores lower overall due to very high farm-gate greenhouse gas emissions from enteric methane and moderate pollution and chemical impacts from pest control and processing.
Animal
Virgin
End of Life
4 months
100/100
Chemical Use
Moderate
60/100
Pollution
Moderate
60/100
Water Usage
384 L/kg
99/100
Carbon Footprint
24.9 kg CO₂/kg
0/100
Carbon Footprint Analysis
0/100
Merino Wool produces approximately 24.9 kg CO₂-equivalent per kilogram of fiber.
The Data
Carbon Footprint
24.9 kg CO₂/kg
FSI Carbon Score
0/100
Sources: Higg Materials Sustainability Index, Textile Exchange Preferred Fiber Report
Sustainability Breakdown
Microplastic risk
None
Care level
Easy
Available certifications
Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), OEKO-TEX Standard 100, OEKO-TEX Made in Green, Bluesign
Key properties
temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking, soft, non-itchy, hypoallergenic, naturally odor-resistant, water-repellent, flame-retardant, natural UV protection, elastic, wrinkle-resistant, easy care, lightweight
Common uses
base layers, athletic wear, socks, outdoor apparel, sweaters, scarves, home textiles, luxury knitwear
Also known as
fine wool, merino fleece, virgin merino wool, greasy wool, clean wool, premium wool