Product Development
The 'Made with Wool' project has been working with the bioComposite centre at Bangor University to develop 5 high value innovative products made using Welsh wool.
We are inviting businesses or individuals to express their interest in taking any of our products to market by contacting the team or filling out the form by clicking on the button below.
please note that A LOT of the prototypes have now been matched with individuals or businesses.
The products
Keratin is a fibrous protein that provides strength and structure to animal tissues such as hair, nails, horns, and feathers. Its properties make it an attractive material for various industries, including cosmetics, medicine, and biodegradable plastics. Traditional sources of keratin, such as human hair and feathers raise ethical concerns while sheep wool offers a renewable and abundant source of keratin.
Wool in insulated covers for non-refrigerated trolleys
Supermarkets often use trolleys to move their refrigerated products, these trolleys are specially designed to keep fresh items at safe temperature ranges, typically below 5°C. Often they are fitted with refrigeration units but there are also non-refrigerated trolleys that can be fitted with insulated covers to transport refrigerated products. Some of the most common foam used for trolley covers include polyethylene, polyurethane, and cross-linked polyethylene. Sheep wool could potentially be used as an alternative to traditional foam materials in the construction of insulated covers for non-refrigerated trolleys due to its excellent insulation properties and natural ability to regulate temperature and moisture.
sheep wool in composites materials
Natural fibres have been used for decades in composites materials. The natural fibres in a composite material provide the structural matrix which improves the mechanical properties of the material. Wool has shown beneficial properties in not just strength but in other properties such as thermal acoustic and fire resistance.
This product has now been matched with Composites Cymru
loose fill cavity wall insulation
Discover the exceptional benefits of sheep wool insulation, a sustainable and natural solution that not only enhances thermal efficiency but also significantly improves indoor air quality. This poster presents our research on different wool types and their remarkable properties, focusing on their insulation capabilities and their positive impact on indoor air quality. Uncover the power of sheep wool insulation and create an environment that is not only energy-efficient but also healthier and more enjoyable.
Acoustic properties of sheep wool
Sheep wool shows good sound absorbing potential at medium and high frequencies. The industry has developed from a niche market to more main stream due to covid and dynamic working. Current sound insulation products are manufactured with synthetic insulation such as PET and UF foams, sheep wool demonstrates similar sound absorption properties with other insulation materials such as mineral wool and polyurethane foam.
sheep wool as growing substrate for hydroponics
Growing media are materials that plants grow in. Soil is often used as the growing medium in traditional cultivation, in Hydroponics however, you are not limited to soil. One of the most common growing substrates for hydroponics is mineral wool. Many hydroponic farms have problems with the reuse and recycling of the rockwool after the vegetation in the greenhouses, therefore, the use of organic and completely compostable substrates is of rising interest.
Sheep Wool Filters
Indoor air pollution is a growing concern, with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) posing a significant threat. We present an innovative air filtering device that utilizes sheep wool as a natural and effective filter. Our research has explored the absorption capabilities of different wool types, specifically focusing on gaseous formaldehyde, toluene, limonene, and dodecane. There are numerous benefits of sheep wool filters and their potential to improve indoor air quality.
Each product will be accompanied by a roadmap that will provide details on each product’s application, manufacturing requirements, technical specifications and market opportunities as well as bespoke support from the Biocomposite Centre and Menter Môn.
background
Following an open call and internal development of product ideas, an initial list was presented to our Welsh wool cluster through a webinar on the 30th of March 2022, The cluster were invited to feedback which 5 prototypes they would like to see developed and prototyped for market.
The criteria for the products were as follows:
- To be novel and unique
- To utilize significant amounts of Welsh wool
- To add value to Welsh wool (influence
market price) - To have freedom to operate
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