Both fibres are biodegradable, renewable, and more environmentally friendly than synthetic alternatives. Natural fibres have been used for centuries due to their comfort, breathability, and versatility in various applications such as clothing, home furnishings, and industrial materials. Today, they continue to play a vital role in sustainable fashion and eco-friendly product development.

For these reasons, Sappi Verve partnered with the Karoo Winter Wool festival, which was hosted in Middelburg, Eastern Cape South Africa from July 4-5 and attended by 2,500 festival goers. It was a celebration of sustainability, craftsmanship, and the beauty of natural fibres. This collaboration provided a platform to showcase the versatility and value of woodfibre as a renewable, natural resource in textile production.

The festival’s interactive programme brought together farmers, artisans, crafters, wool buyers, textile manufacturers, designers, agricultural and academic experts, community organisations, local businesses, entertainers, and visitors from across the country to honour the region’s fibre heritage and engage with its future. Sappi Verve created a sensory experience at the exhibition, showcasing the magic of woodfibre in the value chain. Festival goers were engaged through interactive sessions that encouraged learning, and included a display of seedling to woodfibre, from pulp to viscose fibre, yarn, fabric and finally garment.

“There is nothing like connecting directly with fibre lovers and giving them an opportunity to feel the texture of the fibres and showcase the magic of trees,” said Madelaine Fourie, General Manager Marketing, Sappi Verve. “The event provided a platform to highlight the versatility of a natural fibre like wood. This collaboration at the Karoo Winter Wool Festival reflects the shared value of local sourcing and the use of sustainable raw material. It is about showing how trees can dress the world, sustainably.”

Sarah van Lingen, one of the Directors of the Karoo Winter Wool Festival, reflected that the festival is quietly but powerfully leading conversations around sustainability, creativity, and natural fibre innovation—educating and inspiring consumers and businesses. The festival is a registered Non-Profit Organisation, and in collaboration with its various sponsors, partners and collaborators, it is making a significant contribution to the local economy of the small town of Middelburg, Eastern Cape, but also to the wool and natural fibre industry.

Taking a closer look at natural fibres blends
What is so special about these blends? In the evolving landscape of sustainable fashion and functional fabrics, the blend of woodfibre and wool represents a promising and innovative fusion of natural materials. This combines the strengths of two biodegradable, renewable resources to create a fabric that balances comfort, performance, and environmental responsibility.

A woodfibre and wool blend typically combines natural wool with cellulosic fibres derived from sustainably sourced wood pulp—such as lyocell or viscose. These fibres are created through environmentally conscious processes where wood is pulped, dissolved, and extruded into yarn. When interwoven with wool, the result is a soft, breathable, and highly versatile textile.

What are the advantages of natural fibre?

Enhanced Comfort and Softness: Wool on its own can sometimes feel coarse or itchy for sensitive skin. When blended with smooth, silk-like woodfibre, the resulting fabric becomes softer and more comfortable against the skin. This makes it ideal for everyday apparel, including base layers, socks, and knitwear.

Moisture Management: Both wool and woodfibre have excellent moisture-wicking properties. Wool can absorb up to 30 per cent of its weight in moisture without feeling damp, while lyocell fibres quickly draw moisture away from the body and disperse it across the fabric surface. Together, they offer superior temperature regulation—cooling when it is warm and insulating when it is cold.

Antimicrobial and Odour Resistance: Wool’s natural lanolin gives it antimicrobial properties that reduce odour buildup. When paired with the breathable and moisture-managing properties of woodfibre, this blend becomes an excellent option for activewear and travel clothing that stays fresher for longer.

Sustainability: Both fibres come from renewable sources. Wool is a natural, biodegradable animal fibre, and woodfibre (especially lyocell) is typically derived from sustainably managed forests. Additionally, many modern woodfibre production processes use closed-loop systems that minimise waste and water use, making the fabric blend an eco-friendlier choice compared to synthetic alternatives like polyester.

Natural partnership for responsible fashion
The woodfibre and wool blend is a prime example of how traditional natural fibres and modern eco-technologies can merge to create textiles that are functional, luxurious, and earth friendly. As consumers increasingly demand transparency, sustainability, and performance in their clothing, this blend stands out as a strong contender in the future of conscious fashion.

Whether you are an outdoor adventurer, an eco-minded consumer, or a fashion brand looking to innovate responsibly, fabrics made from woodfibre and wool blends offer both aesthetic appeal and peace of mind.