{"title":"Mulesing-free wool","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"s4\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat is mulesing-free wool?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMulesing-free wool is wool that is harvested or shorn without surgical removal of skin around the tail area of wrinkled skin sections. It often comes from sheep breeds such as \u003cstrong\u003eMerino\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eCorriedale\u003c\/strong\u003e, which have been bred for their natural resistance to flystrike. This wool can be identified by its label, which indicates that it was produced without mulesing. Mulesing is performed exclusively in Australia. However, mulesing-free types are also offered in Australia. Merino wool comes from Merino sheep and is prized for its quality and fineness. Merino wools have a fineness of 17.5-24 microns and are very fine. Mulesing is not practiced outside Australia. Corresponding fine substitutes come from South America and are mulesing-free. In principle, it can be stated that wools from outside Australia are generally mulesing-free. Coarser wools are also generally mulesing-free, e.g., Gotland wool or German wool, but generally also South American wools, which can also be correspondingly fine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMulesing is a surgical procedure in the wool industry where the skin around a sheep's tail is cut off without anesthesia. The procedure was introduced to reduce the risk of flystrike but has since been widely criticized for its potential cruelty and lack of humane care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAdvantages of mulesing-free wool and products\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe benefits of mulesing-free wool include \u003cstrong\u003eimproved animal welfare\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eproduction sustainability\u003c\/strong\u003e. Without the need for animal anesthesia or other medical treatments associated with the mulesing procedure, there is less risk of microbial contamination of the environment and impact on neighboring animals. Since mulesing does not involve shearing large areas of skin, there is also less risk of infection or scarring in the animal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe origins of mulesing-free wool can be traced back to Australia, where this practice was introduced in the late 19th century. Since then, this method has become increasingly popular among farmers and businesses in Australia to produce wool without causing unnecessary suffering to the animals. Companies like Knight place great importance on animal welfare and sustainability when sourcing their wool, so customers can be sure that the products are made in a humane and responsible way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMulesing-free wool is used for a variety of products, from \u003cstrong\u003eblankets and duvets to sweaters and hats\u003c\/strong\u003e. The material is known for its \u003cstrong\u003esoftness\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ewarmth\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003edurability\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003emoisture-wicking properties\u003c\/strong\u003e. Due to its \u003cstrong\u003eresistance to microbes\u003c\/strong\u003e, this type of wool is also ideal for people with sensitive skin and allergies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen sourcing mulesing-free wool, it can be helpful to look for a label or certification from organizations such as the Ethical Wool Standard, which adheres to ethical standards for animal welfare and sustainability. Companies like Knight also work with certified farmers who are committed to keeping their animals as humanely as possible while promoting sustainable production methods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCare instructions for mulesing-free products\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCare instructions for mulesing-free wool blankets include washing the blanket in \u003cstrong\u003ecold water on a gentle cycle\u003c\/strong\u003e and then \u003cstrong\u003eair drying it flat in the shade without direct sunlight\u003c\/strong\u003e. Less frequent washing can help prevent wear and tear on the material and ensure its longevity. Additionally, storing blankets in a well-ventilated area can protect against mildew. By following these care instructions, you can enjoy the comfort and warmth of mulesing-free wool blankets for many years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy is Merino wool often mulesing-free?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMerino wool\u003c\/strong\u003e is the \u003cstrong\u003eideal choice for mulesing-free wool products\u003c\/strong\u003e due to its natural properties. This sheep breed has a dense, curly fleece that provides excellent insulation and warmth without being excessively bulky or heavy. Merino wool is also highly breathable and moisture-wicking, making it a good choice for blankets, sweaters, and hats designed to keep you warm and comfortable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMerino wool is \u003cstrong\u003enaturally resistant to flystrike\u003c\/strong\u003e, allowing farmers to produce the material without resorting to mulesing. In addition, this type of wool is incredibly soft and gentle on the skin, making it particularly suitable for people with skin allergies or sensitivities. When you choose mulesing-free Merino wool products, you can be sure that your purchase has been made \u003cstrong\u003eethically and without animal cruelty\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBuying mulesing-free wool and a brief conclusion\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMulesing-free wool is an ethically sourced wool that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is produced without the painful and potentially dangerous mulesing procedure, which means no animals are subjected to this process. This type of wool offers many advantages over conventional wool production, such as better animal welfare, greater sustainability, and a soft and more durable product.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen looking for mulesing-free wool, it is important to look for certifications from reputable organizations such as the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS). These organizations certify that the product is ethically sourced and free from any animal cruelty. They also guarantee traceability throughout the supply chain and ensure that all materials used have been produced in an environmentally sound manner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen purchasing mulesing-free wool, you can expect \u003cstrong\u003eslightly higher prices\u003c\/strong\u003e than for regular wool, as the \u003cstrong\u003ecosts of ensuring ethical sourcing are higher\u003c\/strong\u003e. However, these higher prices come with additional benefits, such as greater comfort and better durability compared to other types of wool – the wool is not only \u003cstrong\u003esofter\u003c\/strong\u003e but also \u003cstrong\u003esignificantly more resistant\u003c\/strong\u003e to wrinkling and shrinking over time. You can also be sure that your purchase has been made ethically and that the wool has been collected humanely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAlternatives to mulesing-free wool\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you do not wish to purchase mulesing-free wool, an alternative is \u003cstrong\u003eShetland wool\u003c\/strong\u003e. Shetland sheep are native to the Scottish Shetland Islands, and their wool has been used for centuries for traditional Scottish knitwear. Shetland wool is known for its high quality and durability; it is exceptionally fine yet strong, with a unique luster and texture. It is extremely breathable and moisture-wicking, making it an ideal choice for blankets and sweaters. Furthermore, Shetland wool is naturally resistant to flystrike, meaning farmers do not have to resort to mulesing to keep the wool pest-free.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAnother alternative to mulesing-free wool is natural hairs such as \u003cstrong\u003ealpaca, camel hair, yak, or cashmere\u003c\/strong\u003e. Alpaca fibers come from the alpaca, a wild South American camelid related to the llama and vicuña. Alpaca fibers are lightweight yet incredibly warm, making them perfect for blankets or cold-weather clothing like hats and sweaters. Alpaca hair also has excellent thermoregulation, ensuring your body temperature remains comfortable regardless of the outside climate. Mulesing is not practiced on noble hairs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlternatively, synthetic fabrics like acrylic and polyester fibers can provide warmth without requiring animal cruelty or invasive procedures like mulesing. These fabrics are often cheaper than natural fibers like wool or alpaca but still offer insulation against cold weather. Synthetic fabrics also come in a variety of colors and textures, so you can find something that perfectly matches your style!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWools and hairs processed into blankets offer higher sleeping comfort, higher moisture absorption and release compared to synthetic products. A pure wool blanket made of pure new wool immediately provides soothing warmth without heat build-up or sweating. In addition, wool or fine animal hair blankets can be recycled at the end of their life cycle and are naturally biodegradable. No microplastics (as with synthetically produced blankets) are released during production and washing, which accumulate in the food chain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor the reasons mentioned, we recommend a natural hair product as a naturally renewable raw material of biological origin. You can find suitable blankets for cuddling, sleeping, and cozy relaxation in our shop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"lanawash-schurwolldecke","title":"Lanawash virgin wool blanket","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-quality\u003c\/strong\u003e and pleasantly soft \"Lanawash\" blanket made of \u003cstrong\u003epure new wool\u003c\/strong\u003e, available in 2 colors.\u003cbr\u003eIdeal for cool evenings and for snuggling. The blanket is \u003cstrong\u003ewashable at 30°C\u003c\/strong\u003e. It is edged with a high-quality velvet ribbon.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ritter Decken","offers":[{"title":"White \/ 100 x 150 cm","offer_id":44315501429053,"sku":"1174","price":159.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"White \/ 150 x 200 cm","offer_id":44315501396285,"sku":"1173","price":289.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"White \/ 150 x 220 cm","offer_id":44315501363517,"sku":"1172","price":319.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Beige \/ 100 x 150 cm","offer_id":44315501527357,"sku":"1183","price":159.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Beige \/ 150 x 200 cm","offer_id":44315501494589,"sku":"1182","price":289.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Beige \/ 150 x 220 cm","offer_id":44315501461821,"sku":"1181","price":319.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/5205\/6381\/products\/lanawash-div.jpg?v=1677602267"},{"product_id":"portimao-strickplaid-aus-schurwolle","title":"Portimao Virgin Wool Knitted Throw","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStunningly beautiful wool blanket in three pleasant home colors, made from \u003cstrong\u003e100% fine mulesing-free virgin wool\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cstrong\u003ePleasantly soft\u003c\/strong\u003e and temperature-regulating. \u003cstrong\u003eSize 130 x 170 cm.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith it, you have the added value that nature offers us. As a useful and decorative home accessory, you can use this wool blanket all year round.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ritter Decken","offers":[{"title":"Natural white","offer_id":44320548356413,"sku":"1139","price":169.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Salt-and-pepper","offer_id":44320548421949,"sku":"1140","price":169.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Beige","offer_id":44320548487485,"sku":"1141","price":169.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/5205\/6381\/products\/porto-602-1-bild-1.jpg?v=1680013150"},{"product_id":"estoril-strickdecke-aus-schurwolle","title":"Estoril pure new wool knitted blanket","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eAs an insider tip and 2020 \u003cstrong\u003enovelty\u003c\/strong\u003e, we are delighted to offer you this \u003cstrong\u003efine knitted blanket\u003c\/strong\u003e made from \u003cstrong\u003emulesing-free\u003c\/strong\u003e wool. It is wonderfully \u003cstrong\u003esoft\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003ecuddly\u003c\/strong\u003e and is available in 7 attractive colors.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ritter Decken","offers":[{"title":"White","offer_id":44320554352957,"sku":"1202","price":204.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pink","offer_id":44320554385725,"sku":"1203","price":204.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pink","offer_id":44320554418493,"sku":"1204","price":204.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Grey","offer_id":44320554451261,"sku":"1205","price":204.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Brown","offer_id":44320554516797,"sku":"1207","price":204.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Cream","offer_id":44320554484029,"sku":"1206","price":204.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Anthracite","offer_id":44320554549565,"sku":"1208","price":204.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/5205\/6381\/products\/estoril-neuheiten-1.jpg?v=1677602285"},{"product_id":"lilienthal-schurwolldecke","title":"Lilienthal Pure Wool Blanket","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Lilienthal, we use German, coarser \u003cstrong\u003enatural-coloured sheep's wool\u003c\/strong\u003e from the \u003cstrong\u003eRhön Valley\u003c\/strong\u003e. It comes in a puristic style and is edged with white wool yarn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003especial feature\u003c\/strong\u003e of the finish is its elegant look; the blanket was decatized at the end of the production process, meaning it was pressed together with steam and pressure.\u003cbr\u003eThis reduces its volume, making it relatively thin, and gives the surface \u003cstrong\u003emore elegance\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003esmoothness\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt thus represents an alternative to our more voluminous Gotland blanket.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ritter Decken","offers":[{"title":"150 x 100 cm","offer_id":44907243635005,"sku":"1660","price":107.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"150 x 200 cm","offer_id":44320573292861,"sku":"1344","price":189.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"150 x 220 cm","offer_id":44907243602237,"sku":"1663","price":209.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/5205\/6381\/products\/lilienthal-hauptbild.jpg?v=1736508355"},{"product_id":"bergamo-wolldecke","title":"Bergamo Wool Blanket","description":"Knitted in a material mix, our \"Bergamo\" wool blanket shows its best side. It feels both very soft and natural and captivates with its tasteful color combination.","brand":"Ritter Decken","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44320573456701,"sku":"1345","price":125.75,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/5205\/6381\/products\/bergamo-hauptbild-1.jpg?v=1677602559"},{"product_id":"gotland-wolldecke","title":"Gotland Wool Blanket","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThe Gotland sheep blanket, our new development made from pure \u003cstrong\u003eGotland sheep's wool\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eSouth German wool\u003c\/strong\u003e, captivates with its authenticity and naturalness. Both components are \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003enot\u003c\/u\u003e dyed\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003enatural\u003c\/strong\u003e, and the sheep's wool blanket is gently crafted for you.","brand":"Ritter Decken","offers":[{"title":"150 x 100 cm","offer_id":44907258937661,"sku":"1599","price":99.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"150 x 200 cm","offer_id":44907258904893,"sku":"1239","price":179.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"150 x 220 cm","offer_id":44691046269245,"sku":"1783","price":199.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/5205\/6381\/products\/gotland-hauptbild-1.jpg?v=1736508371"},{"product_id":"karlsbad-schurwolldecke-merinowolle-1","title":"Carlsbad virgin wool blanket (Merino wool)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClassic\u003c\/strong\u003e from Ritter Decken, \u003cstrong\u003eMade in Germany\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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You can choose from \u003cstrong\u003e6 colors\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ritter Decken","offers":[{"title":"White \/ 100 x 150 cm","offer_id":44909413728573,"sku":"1952","price":128.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"White \/ 150 x 200 cm","offer_id":44909413761341,"sku":"1951","price":229.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"White \/ 150 x 220 cm","offer_id":44909413794109,"sku":"11844","price":249.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Silver-grey \/ 100 x 150 cm","offer_id":44909413826877,"sku":"1955","price":128.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Silver-grey \/ 150 x 200 cm","offer_id":44909413859645,"sku":"1954","price":229.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Silver-grey \/ 150 x 220 cm","offer_id":44909413892413,"sku":"1953","price":249.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mongolian Grey \/ 100 x 150 cm","offer_id":44909413925181,"sku":"1958","price":128.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mongolian Grey \/ 150 x 200 cm","offer_id":44909413957949,"sku":"1957","price":229.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mongolian Grey \/ 150 x 220 cm","offer_id":44909413990717,"sku":"1956","price":249.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Camel \/ 100 x 150 cm","offer_id":44909414023485,"sku":"1195","price":128.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Camel \/ 150 x 200 cm","offer_id":44909414056253,"sku":"1960","price":229.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Camel \/ 150 x 220 cm","offer_id":44909414089021,"sku":"1959","price":249.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Cream \/ 100 x 150 cm","offer_id":44909414121789,"sku":"1963","price":128.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Cream \/ 150 x 200 cm","offer_id":44909414154557,"sku":"1962","price":229.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Cream \/ 150 x 220 cm","offer_id":44909414187325,"sku":"1961","price":249.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Anthracite \/ 100 x 150 cm","offer_id":44909414220093,"sku":"1966","price":128.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Anthracite \/ 150 x 200 cm","offer_id":44909414252861,"sku":"1965","price":229.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Anthracite \/ 150 x 220 cm","offer_id":44909414285629,"sku":"1964","price":249.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/5205\/6381\/products\/schurwolldecke-karlsbab-mongolgrau_b49cedad-5a17-4bf9-9162-f1c62b29e5cd.jpg?v=1680028704"},{"product_id":"hildegard","title":"Hildegard","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe wool blanket Hildegard is made from a medium-fine, clean Australian merino wool with approx. 25 microns and is produced gently and naturally. The wool blanket is edged with a natural scientific wool yarn in a chain stitch.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ritter Decken ","offers":[{"title":"150 x 200 cm","offer_id":55095988060541,"sku":"18585","price":149.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false},{"title":"150 x 220 cm","offer_id":55095988093309,"sku":"18587","price":169.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/5205\/6381\/files\/schurwolldecke-hildegard-ritter-decken-hauptbild.jpg?v=1738328121"}],"url":"https:\/\/ritter-decken.de\/en\/collections\/mulesingfreie-wolle.oembed","provider":"Ritter Decken ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}