Fire resistance: a little-known natural property

Here's a property of wool that few people know, yet it radically distinguishes it from most synthetic fibers used in furnishings and clothing: its natural fire resistance, without any additional chemical treatment.

The very chemical structure of keratin makes wool difficult to ignite. While cotton ignites at just 255 degrees Celsius and polyester melts between 252 and 292 degrees, wool resists temperatures up to 570 to 600 degrees Celsius before catching fire. And when it finally ignites, wool tends to smolder slowly rather than rapidly flare up, producing an ashy residue rather than melting and dripping like many synthetic fibers.

This property explains why wool holds a prominent place in contexts where fire safety is crucial: firefighter uniforms, personal protective equipment, carpets and curtains in public places like hotels, airplanes, and theaters.

For you, this information takes on full meaning as soon as you address products intended for furnishing or interior decoration: cushions, woven rugs, decorative throws. Being able to mention this natural fire resistance, without chemical additives, constitutes a solid and factual selling point.

At Makeloo Studio, this natural property also aligns with our thinking on circular products: our felted plant protectors and insulating insoles also benefit from this inherent resistance.

Source: International Wool Textile Organisation, Wool Notes, Issue 3 (2024); The Woolmark Company, woolmark.com/fibre.