Superwash for our yarns

For shipping, I primarily use plastic-free materials such as cardboard boxes and paper tape. Should plastic be necessary in exceptional cases to protect the goods, I keep it to an absolute minimum.

Hand-dyeing requires a lot of water. To conserve resources, I reuse dye and rinse water in several sequential steps in order to significantly reduce the consumption of fresh water in the studio.

SUPERWASH

Superwash is a treatment for wool fibers that makes them felt-free and changes their dye absorption. In the 80s, the process fell into disrepute because wastewater was discharged unfiltered in some countries. That has changed drastically: strict EU regulations now ensure that all by-products are filtered out of the water before it is discharged.

The raw yarn and the processing mill are certified according to OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (tested for harmful substances) as well as the EU Ecolabel. The partner mill operates a modern, in-house wastewater treatment plant that filters, recycles, and treats the water used in accordance with strict EU environmental and discharge standards.

This applies specifically to the yarns I use. It is important to me where and how the wool is processed. The owner of the mill holds a doctorate in this field, works with state-of-the-art techniques, and is constantly reviewing current studies on the biodegradability of Superwash yarns.

How does the process work?

Please note that this description applies specifically to these yarns. First, the wool is lightly treated with chlorine to slightly flatten the fiber's scale layer. This reduces the tendency of the wool fibers to hook into one another, thereby reducing felting.

In the second step, a wafer-thin resin is applied, which bonds permanently with the fiber. It completely smooths the structure, ensures a pleasant feel, and reliably protects against shrinking, while the wool retains its excellent dyeability. Current research by the manufacturer is intensively focused on the degradation behavior of these resins. Important to know: Superwash yarns carry this fine protective layer. Those who prefer a completely untreated natural product will make the best choice with my non-superwash qualities.