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Excellent

Material Deep Dive

Recycled Merino Wool

Recycled merino wool performs exceptionally due to ultra-low recycling-stage carbon emissions, minimal water use, low pollution and chemical inputs, and full biodegradability.

Animal

Recycled

End of Life

3 months

100/100
Chemical Use

Low

80/100
Pollution

Low

80/100
Water Usage

93 L/kg

100/100
Carbon Footprint

0.63 kg CO₂/kg

97/100
Considerations

Recycling shortens fibres, so it's usually blended with virgin wool

Quality can vary depending on source material

Limited availability compared to virgin merino

May inherit finishes or dyes from previous use

Strengths

Avoids all the farming emissions—dramatically lower carbon than virgin merino

Uses almost no water compared to raising sheep

Fully biodegradable with no microplastic concerns

Diverts wool waste from landfill

Look for GRS certification for verified recycled content

Carbon Footprint Analysis

97/100

Recycled Merino Wool produces approximately 0.63 kg CO₂-equivalent per kilogram of fiber.

The Data

Carbon Footprint

0.63 kg CO₂/kg

FSI Carbon Score

97/100

Sources: Higg Materials Sustainability Index, Textile Exchange Preferred Fiber Report

Sustainability Breakdown

Microplastic risk

None

Care level

Delicate

Available certifications

Global Recycled Standard (GRS), Recycled Claim Standard (RCS), OEKO-TEX MADE IN GREEN, ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX, Responsible Wool Standard (source wool)

Key properties

thermal regulation, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, breathable, soft, hypoallergenic, biodegradable, durable, elastic, temperature-adaptive, naturally antimicrobial

Common uses

sweaters, base layers, athletic wear, thermal underwear, blankets, socks, cardigans, pullovers, sports garments

Also known as

recycled wool fiber, MWool®, reclaimed wool, regenerated wool, circular wool, secondary wool fiber, repurposed wool, post-consumer wool, pre-consumer wool, waste wool fiber

Recycled Merino Wool quick guide

Last updated: January 2026

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