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Poor

Material Deep Dive

Vigin Wool

Virgin wool receives a low sustainability score due to severe environmental impacts from carbon emissions (primarily methane from sheep farming) and extremely high water consumption (170,000 liters per kilogram), only partially offset by its biodegradability and lack of microplastic pollution.

Animal

Virgin

End of Life

3 months

100/100
Chemical Use

Moderate

60/100
Pollution

Moderate

60/100
Water Usage

170,000 L/kg

0/100
Carbon Footprint

25 kg CO₂/kg

0/100
Considerations

Extremely high carbon footprint from sheep farming—mainly methane emissions

Uses vast amounts of water—around 170,000 litres per kilogram

Chemical treatments for pest control can be intensive

Processing (scouring and dyeing) can pollute waterways

Consider recycled wool or certified options like RWS for a better choice

Strengths

Biodegrades completely within months, returning nutrients to soil

Durable with good shape retention, extending garment life

Naturally resists odours, meaning less frequent washing needed

Carbon Footprint Analysis

0/100

Vigin Wool produces approximately 25 kg CO₂-equivalent per kilogram of fiber.

The Data

Carbon Footprint

25 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

Moderate

Available certifications

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), ZQ Merino, SustainaWOOL, Oeko-Tex Standard 100

Key properties

warm, durable, breathable, natural elasticity, moisture-wicking, insulating, soft, naturally water-resistant

Common uses

sweaters, knitwear, blankets, home textiles, outerwear, socks, scarves, upholstery, carpets, suiting

Also known as

sheep wool, pure wool, greasy wool, scoured wool, clean wool, merino wool, woollen fiber

Vigin Wool quick guide

Last updated: December 2025

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