Commodity
Index-linkedBulk Wool follows a global index more than a boutique mill.
Darker cells mean a higher score for this topic on that metric.
Strength32
Heat resistance38
Fire performance48
Insulation72
Workability70
Circularity58
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Last reviewed Sources & creditsMedia creditsMethodology
Quick answers
Is Wool non-combustible?
Declared reaction class in this atlas: better than commodity synthetics in many apparel tests. Assemblies still need resistance tests.
Does Wool insulate?
Thermal mark 72/100 versus the atlas. Conductivity note: low when lofted.
What is the density band?
~1.31 g/cm³
How is it made?
Origin story: Neolithic sheep; merino Spain; industrial Yorkshire (Near East → Spain → Australia).
Can it be recycled?
Circularity mark 58/100 — editorial, route-specific.
Typical melting or failure heat?
chars; does not melt-drip like PE
heat 38 · fire 48
Prices are bands. A 2024 coil is not a 2026 contract. Labour and certification often dwarf the commodity.
Producers listed are landmarks for orientation, not a ranking or a procurement list.
Cost bands
Specified grade
PremiumTight chemistry, cleanliness or certification multiplies the unit price.
System
InstalledBoards, coats and labour dwarf kilogram prices.
Certified / medical / aero
HighestPaperwork is the product.
Trial / green route
PolicyLow-carbon or bio routes still trade on certificates.
Regions
East Asia
Volume production and finishing.
Europe
Standards (EN, Euroclass) and specialty.
North America
ASTM / NFPA language and large domestic mills.
Korea / Japan
High-spec sheet, fibres, electronics-adjacent ceramics.
Resource belts
Ore, plantations or energy that feed primary routes.
Global trade
Wool moves as coils, bales, boards or chemicals — check HS codes, not vibes.
Key numbers
~1.31 g/cm³Density
low when loftedThermal
better than commodity synthetics in many apparelFire letter
72Atlas insulation
Producers
Australia
Fine merino auctions (AWEX).
China
Largest processor, not always grower.
New Zealand
Crossbred and merino outdoor.
Uruguay / Argentina
South American fine and crossbred.
South Africa
Cape merino.
UK hill breeds
Carpet and tweed wools.
Ask for the route (primary, scrap, bio) before believing a green label.
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