Reusing local wool: A new fashion project from Tyrol

Reusing local wool: A new fashion project from Tyrol

In Austria, a significant portion of the local wool remains unused, which the initiators of a new fashion project took as an opportunity to work together to change something. Experts from various fields, from sheep farmers to sewing companies, have come together to develop an innovative garment made from wool.

The vision behind the project is to create a modern and attractive product that aims to overcome prejudices about wool. Roland Taferner, the managing director of the Federal Association for Sheep and Goats, sums up his idea: “We need something that doesn’t look like a traditional costume or grandma’s jacket, something that you can just put on and that immediately looks good.” When he first tried on his new vest, pride was written all over his face. “It looks like a windbreaker, but completely plastic-free,” he explains enthusiastically.

Background of the initiative

The idea for the “Vest from the Tyrolean Mountain Sheep” came about exactly a year ago at the Congress of Old Crafts in St. Lamprecht. During a workshop, the team discovered that around 800 tons of wool are produced in Austria every year, but only a fraction of this is processed. “Sheep farming is the only growing area of ​​agriculture,” says Taferner, describing the situation. Sheep are bred primarily for their meat and milk, but they also play an essential role in landscape management.

The project aims to give wool value again after processing capacities in the textile industry have shrunk significantly. According to Taferner, a farmer only receives 60 cents per kilo of raw fleece, which makes production unattractive in the long term. "Most owners only have a few animals. With these small quantities, transporting them to the next collection point is often not profitable," he explains.

The process and those involved

A “motivated team” has come together to develop a garment that is produced sustainably and transparently in Austria, from the sheep to the sewing factory. The production process includes seven stages, which are described in detail on the Autwool website. The journey begins with shearing the sheep, as many breeds require shearing as their fur continually grows.

A total of 1,000 kilograms of raw wool from Tyrolean mountain sheep were brought to the Regensburger sheep's wool laundry in the Ötztal, the only larger sheep's wool laundry in the southern German-speaking region. The wool was cleaned, carded, spun and further processed at various companies, including Ferner Wolle in Lungau and Gottstein, a traditional company in the Ötztal. The end result was 468 kilograms of finished material.

Gert Rücker, who leads the Styrian JMB Fashion team for clothing production, not only sees this project as an opportunity for humane textile production, but also emphasizes the need to promote existing companies and make them visible.

The design

The design of the vest was created by Stephanie Höcker. The designer previously worked for Adidas and now lives on an organic farm in Tyrol, where she works with linen from her own production. “We didn’t start with a marketing concept, but directly with the natural fiber,” she explains the creative process. It was important to her that everyone involved worked closely together and that every step was communicated transparently.

Despite the challenges facing domestic wool, Taferner believes in the quality of the materials used. He talks about the different breeds that exist in Austria and their specific characteristics. Although domestic wool is often not as soft as imported products, it has many advantages: It is robust, strong and offers excellent protection against wind and water.