In recent decades, sheep’s wool has been increasingly replaced by synthetic fibers. In areas where it is still used, such as sports or insulation, companies buy the wool almost exclusively overseas. Martina Schlöglmann thinks this is a shame and has set up a production with her husband Thomas under the name “Vollschaf”. The family keeps a few animals themselves on their farm in Sigharting (Schärding district), the rest of the wool comes from farmers in Upper Austria. “The special thing is that we also process small quantities.” Fertilizer pellets are produced, but also fleece and wool, which are further processed into felted slippers or knitted socks. “Like grandma used to,” says Schlöglmann. Sheep’s wool from the region is not only sustainable, the material is generally unique and incredibly diverse: “The wool is temperature-regulating, so it warms in winter and cools in summer. It can also store water, which is good for the plants in the garden and keeps us dry warm feet guaranteed.”
Valerie Hader
