Planet-Friendly Wool Sportswear by Unbound Merino
How is this company using Merino wool to create the best clothes? Find out.
Many materials have been found to be planet or climate-friendly. From bananas to mushrooms, these materials have evolved to replace toxic synthetic materials and adhere to consumer desires in the name of restoring the environment. The common issue with 'sustainable' clothing that is becoming increasingly pertinent is that just because a company uses materials that are just slightly better for the environment, it does not guarantee that they are helping.
Hear me out; companies such as H&M decide to make a clothing line that is 'sustainable,' effectively redirecting consumers who are concerned with their manufacturing processes. While they are distracted, they continue to use unethical manufacturing practices such as low-wage labor and creating excess waste with synthetic tints and fabrics. H&M was actually sued for greenwashing, highlighting the prevalence of the greenwashing issue.
We are here to present an alternative to ensure the company you choose uses planet-friendly materials and has a business model of the future, such as Unbound Merino.
What is Unbound Merino?
Unbound Merino was established to meet the needs of travelers looking for high-performance clothing and who are interested in purchasing long-lasting clothing made from quality, climate-friendly materials. This clothing brand was created by three lifelong friends who were determined to create clothing that was better for travelers and even better for the environment. Their primary focus was creating clothing that lasted long and was made from non-synthetic materials. Yet how could they do this without depleting natural resources? They choose to primarily use Merino wool, which comes from Merino sheep, primarily raised in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
What is Merino Wool?
Merino sheep produce soft wool, which is made up of fibers that are even much thinner than human hair.
Here are some other fun facts about Merino wool:
Merino sheep are sheared once a year.
Their wool is then spun to create fibers.
Merino wool can be spun in two ways: worsted or woolen.
Worsted spinning creates long fibers, while woolen spinning creates fluffy yarns.
Australian farmers breed Merino sheep to produce finer wool.
Australia produces 81% of merino wool through sustainable farming practices.
How Is Unbound Merino Sourcing Their Materials?
Unbound Merino takes pride in its superfine, premium Merino wool, specifically developed to withstand the challenges of travel and everyday life. The difference between typical wool, which can be itchy and bulky, is that premium Merino wool has a silky touch that feels lighter than both standard Merino and cotton. Each fiber has a natural waxy coating called lanolin, which not only wicks moisture away from the body but also acts as a barrier against odor-causing bacteria. This helps reduce water waste because the garment doesn't need to be washed as much as other clothing types.
What environmental issues does Unbound Merino solve?
Unbound Merino addresses the issues associated with fast fashion and the overconsumption of clothing. By using Woolmark-certified wool that is naturally biodegradable, they help reduce waste. Unbound Merino is the perfect example of how making planet-friendly clothing is possible and can be done more frequently without impacting the producer or the buyer.
Does Unbound Merino's clothing serve human or planetary needs?
Human Needs:
Unbound Merino's emphasis on quality and a longer product lifetime is an important human need, as it can reduce the number of items purchased over time.
Planetary Needs:
By promoting durable and versatile clothing, Unbound Merino allows consumers to reduce waste and contribute to a Living Economy through their products.
What happens to an Unbound Merino product at the end of its life? Can it be integrated into a circular economy?
Unbound Merino products are made from biodegradable natural fibers, reducing their environmental impact at the end of their life cycle. The brand encourages responsible use and care to extend the life of their garments, supporting a circular economy.
Is Unbound Merino’s Business Model Planet Forward?
Here are additional reasons why we found Unbound Merino to have a more planet-forward business model:
Their products, made from 100% Merino wool, can be reintegrated into the circular economy once it has reached their end of life.
Their clothing has undergone extensive wear testing to ensure it lasts long.
They source their Merino wool ethically and regeneratively.
When you choose Unbound Merino, you can support an economy that prioritizes thoughtful consumption and a Living Economy.
To learn more about Unbound Merino's sourcing practices, explore Unbound Merino in our Living marketplace.
Our Rating
Overall, Unbound Merino's clothing line is a more planet-friendly option than other companies that claim to be good for the environment. With their support of regenerative practices and ethical sourcing, purchasing their products supports a Living Economny rather than a linear one.
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Our online marketplace is a one-stop shop for those ready to support a regenerative economy. Each company has been vetted by our founder. Through this rigorous evaluation process, we make sure that their products are either restorative or regenerative. When you choose to support these businesses, you're not just making a purchase; you're investing in a thriving economy that prioritizes environmental preservation.
Click here to learn more about our mission.
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Our current economy is destroying the planet. That is why we are building a better living economy for people and the planet. But we can't do it alone! Our goal is to create a living economy where we can leave behind companies that prioritize profit over our planet by choosing companies that have restorative or regenerative business models. With your contribution, we can continue to create an economy where people and nature thrive together. Your contribution, no matter how small, has a lasting impact.