Wool as a natural, renewable and biodegradable material
Wool is a protein fibre formed in the skin of sheep, and is thus one hundred percent natural, not man-made. It has been appreciated as one of the most effective forms of all-weather protection known to man. Soft and supportive with an in-built bounce that resists pressure, wool is recognised globally as one of the finest components for bed upholstery and mattresses. The Woolmark brand represents a commitment between woolgrowers, brands and consumers on the authenticity and quality of the fibre that connects us, and Vispring Sustainable Mattresses is the first U.K. bed-maker to be granted the prestigious Woolmark award.
The wool produced by the Shetland has historically been a valuable commodity. The Shetland is a small, wool-producing breed of sheep originating in the Shetland Isles, Scotland. Every Shetland Wool filament used in the Vispring product is responsibly sourced from within the British Isles and sheared from sheep with no harm done. Hand-teased Shetland wool unique to Vispring is an incredibly soft fleece thanks to the sheep’s unique moorland and beach habitat. It’s about finding exactly what we need to create mattresses that go beyond comfortable. Beds that let you drift off into a truly deep sleep…
As long as there is grass to graze on, every year sheep will produce a new fleece; making wool a renewable fibre source. The practice of removing sheep hair from dense winter coats is all part of necessary animal husbandry and the commitment to buying local British wool, ensures that an ancient way of life is preserved for all communities involved. By pledging support for the declaration of the campaign for wool, Vispring is committing to abide by the ten principles of best practice set out in the appended document, including carbon reduction, environmental protection and sustainable development of the wool industry.
At the end of its useful life, wool can be returned to the soil, where it decomposes, releasing valuable nutrients into the ground. When a natural wool fibre is disposed of in soil, it takes a very short time to break down, whereas most synthetics are extremely slow to degrade.