WRITTEN BY:
Ruth Marie Mackrodt,
Director,
TRUEWOOL.
At TRUEWOOL we began with a simple yet powerful commitment – to transform Wales’ abundant natural resource, wool, into sustainable insulation solutions for the construction industry.
With more than 10 million sheep, Wales has a prime source of wool that is particularly well-suited to construction applications. This natural asset offers an exceptionally low carbon footprint and serves as the cornerstone of our product range, which includes thermal and acoustic insulation.
Although TRUEWOOL was conceived with sustainability at its core, simply using Welsh wool was not enough for us. From the inception of our business 18 months ago, we challenged ourselves to go further, to ensure that every aspect of our operation and product lifecycle adhered to circular economy principles. This commitment led us on an extensive journey of product development and innovation.
The conventional manufacturing processes for insulation often incorporate plastics to enhance durability and performance. Initially, blending wool with plastic seemed a straightforward route, offering immediate benefits in terms of product stability and cost-effectiveness. However, integrating plastics would compromise our dedication to full circularity and biodegradability as well as adding to the burden of plastics within the environment and the growing concern of its effects on human health. And so we opted against taking the easy path.
Our vision was clear – to produce a product that not only insulates but also contributes positively to the environment at the end of its lifecycle. To achieve this we engaged with various manufacturers across the UK, exploring different methods and materials that would keep our insulation 100% natural and biodegradable.
The development process was arduous but deeply rewarding. We explored numerous techniques and materials, continually testing and refining our approach to ensure that our insulation would meet the high standards of both performance and environmental stewardship.
The result is a product that is not only effective in insulating homes but also capable of being repurposed or returned to the earth without adverse effects.
At the end of its useful life, our wool insulation can be composted, used in peatland restoration, or even utilised as a pathway material. It breaks down to enrich the soil, completing a natural cycle that begins and ends with circular at its core.
As TRUEWOOL continues to grow and evolve, our commitment to sustainability remains unwavering. We recognise that our journey is both a model and a challenge for others in the industry. The path to true circularity requires innovation, commitment, and a deep respect for natural resources.
Our experience shows that sustainable business practices are not only viable but also essential for the future of our planet.
