Swiss textile company Schoeller has decided to use the positive qualities of wool—temperature-regulation, breathability, elasticity, moisture-absorption, good heat retention, high level of inflammability, resistance to soiling, durability and antibacterial properties—to enhance its new autumn/winter 2007/2008 collection.

Schoeller has ‘functionalised’ and added technology to wool in various ways using it in combination with its NanoSphere, c_change, Phase Change Materials (PCM) and soft-shell technologies.

Wool blends with a schoeller-PCM coating are particularly suited to citywear ranges and the company has used this technology for winter jackets, coats and sports jackets. The garment is said to actively regulate temperature yet remain light enough for comfort.
 

Through the combination with the company’s bionic c_change membrane, 100% weather protection with flexible breathability is also added to the wool properties. Wool with NanoSphere also achieves a high level of water and dirt repellency and, thanks to a new silver ion-based finish, offers anti-microbial protection against bacteria of all kinds.

According to Schoeller, as a renewable, recyclable fibre wool is in line with the trend towards sustainable and responsible production and consumption.