What is made from it?
Mallorcan sheep are bred almost exclusively for meat, making it a breed whose wool is very coarse and scratchy, and therefore only partially suitable for clothing production.
Nevertheless, sheep wool is an excellent raw material whose importance has unfortunately been forgotten over the years. With growing environmental awareness, sheep wool is once again gaining attention and is increasingly being used sustainably on the island. It is experiencing a renaissance in various fields. While wool was often considered a waste product or even burned in the past, initiatives like Llanatura are now working to unlock the potential of this local resource and turn it into high-quality products.
What happens to Mallorcan sheep wool?
Cleaning and Processing
The raw wool is first washed and prepared, often using environmentally friendly methods such as neutral soaps and low water consumption.
Processing is labor-intensive, as Mallorcan sheep wool is relatively thick and greasy, which made its use difficult in the past.
Product Manufacturing
The wool is processed into felt, which is then used to make various everyday and design products.
Typical products include:
– Coasters
– Espadrilles (traditional shoes)
– Blankets
– Small rugs
– Cushions and household items
– Accessories and clothing such as scarves, hats, jackets, and bags
– Toys, ornaments, and DIY felt crafts
Innovative and Sustainable Uses
Sheep wool pellets provide slowly released nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which promote plant growth and enrich the soil with organic matter. They improve soil structure, loosen the soil, and act as soil improvers.
Mulch made from sheep wool felt optimizes water management, suppresses weed growth, and protects against cold in winter, making it especially suitable for potted plants.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite its potential, more than 200 tons of wool are produced annually in Mallorca, of which only a small part is processed locally; the rest is exported or disposed of.
Projects like Llanatura are working to use all local wool, thereby creating both ecological and social value.
Today, Mallorcan sheep wool is once again being used in many ways: from traditional clothing and household goods to innovative, sustainable products for construction, design, and crafts. This development shows how an apparent waste product can become a valuable regional resource.
