Common Sense!

It has to have been at least 30 years now since reporter Ellen Goodman wrote a very famous article that appeared in a number of newspapers across the United States - the basis of which boiled down to common sense vs. scientific study. She made it very clear that what any woman in any town or city in America could tell you as a matter of common knowledge was not taken seriously or given credibility until the government or those in some position of authority spent thousands of dollars on a scientific study to confirm. Although Ms. Goodman’s subject was unrelated to the textile industry, her clear and sound argument applies across innumerable sectors—including the wool and fibre industries.



The issue of common sense vs. scientific study can be said to be true of wool for garments and bedding. We have always been advocates of the use of natural fibre in both clothing and bedding. We are, however, aware that in certain circumstances bedding needs to be washable—such as mattress covers and children’s or those with other types of needs—and to make wool washable it must undergo a treatment process.  One of the most popular treatment  processes uses chlorine to preshrink the wool and then it is coated with a resin called 'hercosett', a form of polyamide. New processes are being developed all the time to improve the washable product.  We have been informed, by several authorities, that there isn’t  any new evidence to demonstrate that this process effects the performance of the wool.  Still, given that, you don’t really need to be a rocket scientist to admit that if you or your child/infant are put into a natural fibre—wool, alpaca or cotton—you and they will be substantially healthier and sleep better.

Reliance on sheepskins for delicate and frail or delicate human skin has never died out. Few today need to be told the ecological advantage in using natural fibres, or to have it driven home that there is no damage to the environment in the production and processing of natural wool and alpaca or the resultant end natural products. Further, of great import, the nitrogen in natural fibre in its disposal feeds the environment rather than poisons it.

It isn’t difficult to work out that if you wear nothing but fibre made from petrochemicals and sleep under them—fibres that do not breathe, that collect dust and mites and goodness knows what else, that break down and are now known to leach—a state of ill health will follow.

Marketing—very clever marketing—highlights the ease of care of artificial fibres/fabrics and bedding, and, in recent years, highlight the economic factors. But, once again, when you apply common sense it doesn’t hold up. It may take less time to wash and dry synthetic fibres, but time spent at the doctors for dry skin, coughing, wheezing, eczema and goodness knows what else, is not insignificant. Take 10 minutes from surfing the Web and you have time to hand wash a garment that will last you for years! How often do you really wash your duvet? Alternatively, dry-cleaning prices are very reasonable these days for a natural fibre duvet that will help you to have a significantly more restful night. Sleeping under a wool or alpaca covering that breathes, as synthetics do not, also allows for more even body heat distribution.
In recent years the economic factors have done an about turn.  The cost to the environment is one consideration of synthetic vs. natural fibre.  More pressingly is the base material cost.  This is between the price of oil per barrel and the price of kilo of wool or alpaca.  Originally oil ergo synthetic fibre was significantly more economical than wool so the fibre was cheaper to produce.  This has seriously reversed and wool is now the best commodity on all levels, price per kilo and ecological value.

All of the above is simple common sense.

There are new studies being initiated into the qualities and benefits of wool and a restoration of the wool data archives is being launched that demonstrate that wool and wool bedding are better for you. The difficulty is that a lot of the studies that have been previously quoted cannot actually be located, so new studies have to be done. These scientific studies will corroborate what common sense indicates. At Ackroyd and Dawson Limited, we are very keen to see common sense prevail, but if studies are going be requisite, then the information must be well documented and accurate. It must compare and contrast treated vs. non-treated fibre, and should now include alpaca fibre.

We are concerned for the health and well being of all individuals and the environment they inhabit. It is our hope, that care and consideration will be taken when choosing products for yourself and your family that affect the quality of life and health.