Transparent supply chain: every step explained

The creation of WOOLREX products doesn't begin with the design of the garments and accessories. It starts with the raw material extraction of the merino wool.

From there to the finished product, the wool goes through several stages. Understanding and being able to trace these steps is crucial for transparency. That's why regular communication with suppliers and partners is part of our daily routine.

Merino sheep are a special breed of sheep. Their wool differs significantly from classic sheep's wool: Merino wool is finer and softer and is therefore often perceived as particularly pleasant against the skin.

Australia is a major supplier of merino wool. A large proportion of the world's processed merino wool comes from there – we also source our merino wool from Australia.

After birth, the Merino lamb grows for a while before being sheared for the first time. The first shearing can take place no earlier than six months of age.

In some regions, a procedure called mulesing is performed in the first few weeks of life to protect sheep from flystrike. However, today there are breeding lines and management methods that do not require this practice.

Even though mulesing is still permitted in Australia, we work exclusively with suppliers who do not use this practice.

Merino sheep are sheared in the spring. This is usually a relief for the animals, as they are freed from their heavy winter fleece.

After shearing, there is enough time to build up a new wool fleece and be well protected again for the next winter.

After shearing, the wool is sent directly to our processing facility. This allows us to ensure that the wool comes from the flocks we have selected.

If the wool were collected and washed beforehand, it could mix with other batches whose origin we don't know. That's why direct shipping is an important part of our transparent supply chain.

The wool is further processed at our processing facility in China. There it goes through several steps until the finished WOOLREX product is created.

First, the merino wool is washed. The temperature is crucial: water that is too hot can cause the wool to felt. Vigorous rubbing can also damage the material.

Equally important is a mild detergent. Wool detergents or similarly gentle products are suitable for merino wool.

After washing and drying, the wool is sorted. The raw wool is not uniform across the sheep's body.

Batches that are too short or show discoloration and residues are sorted out. This ensures that only suitable wool components are processed further.

Before the wool can be spun into yarn, it is carded. This process opens the fibers and aligns them in one direction.

After carding, a fine, even wool fleece is produced, which can then be spun.

The carded wool fleece is spun into yarn in the spinning machine. In some processes, additional materials can be added – we use 100% pure merino wool.

The final yarn thickness depends on the amount of fiber used. WOOLREX primarily uses yarns ranging from fine to superfine. These can then be processed into fabrics.

The spun yarn can be used to knit a garment directly. However, we first have the yarn woven into bolts of fabric.

This gives our products their fine weave structure and natural elasticity.

Dyeing only begins once the natural-colored fabric bolts are available. This ensures a uniform color.

We use dyes that have been tested for safety – confirmed by Oeko-Tex .

With proper care, the color remains stable in the long term.

Our pattern sheets are designed to create timeless and practical products.

We pay attention to detail in the design: On the wrap bodysuit, the inner snap closure is wider to make dressing easier. Armholes are also designed to offer freedom of movement and prevent any constriction.

We place great emphasis on high-quality workmanship so that our products bring joy for a long time.

We also pay attention to wearing comfort when it comes to product labeling: labels and placement should not be bothersome or scratchy.

The quality of the wool is confirmed, among other things, by the Woolmark label. Each product also receives an individual test number, which proves that it complies with the relevant guidelines.

Further information on certifications can be found here .

WOOLREX products are available in Switzerland in selected boutiques and online.

WOOLREX clothing and accessories are known for their softness. With proper care, this softness is maintained for a long time.

Durable products can make a positive contribution because they need to be replaced less often.

Since WOOLREX products are made from 100% wool, they are generally easy to recycle. Please dispose of unwanted items at textile collection points so that new materials can be created from them.