Sheepskin: How eco friendly is it and what are the benefits of using it?
What is sheepskin?
Well, sheepskin is the soft and plush hide or leather obtained from the skin of domesticated sheep. The wool side is soft and comfortable, while the leather side is durable.
Sheepskin Origins.
To answer the two questions properly we first need to understand what sheepskin is and how it has been used and applied throughout the collective human experience.
The domestication and selective breeding of sheep dates back to 10.000 years ago,during prehistoric times. It is believed that it started in modern-day Iran and southwestern Asia.
Even back then humans knew the importance of sheep for their meat,wool and milk. It is clear that this practice played a significant role in the development of agriculture and human civilization as a whole and still are a big part of it. Sumerians and Mongols both used it for crafting clothing and shelter (such as the iconic Mongolian yurts). In medieval Europe,though,it took an extra luxurious dimension and was extensively used by royalty.
Eco friendliness of sheepskin.
There is always the question about how ethical or eco-friendly it is to use sheepskin as a product. The truth is that sheepskins are a by-product of the meat industry and only have value once they are tanned. Here comes the concept of zero waste,which aims at not wasting any part of the animal. Currently the majority of sheepskin is dealt as waste.
In addition,almost all the parts of the hide can be used leading to even less waste. Some tanning processes also use less chemicals compared to other leather types resulting in a more environmentally friendly production.
Many brands including our own can guarantee the welfare an living conditions of the
sheep are being taken seriously and in proper care to ensure that they have a healthy and happy life.
What are the benefits?
Sheepskin is a product with a lot of benefits in a multitude of sectors and appliances.
Firstly,fashion. It is a timeless luxurious product that gives an incredible feeling to anyone who is wearing it. It also combines softness,comfort,durability and breathability to its user.
Secondly,biodegradability. It means that it naturally breaks down over time,leaving a
minimal environmental printing making it much better that synthetic materials.
In addition, its structure allows air pockets that provide natural insulation while its durability can provide you products maintained for several years.
Last but not least is its versatility. It can be used for clothing,accessories,home decor,car seats and even medical uses because of its therapeutic qualities.
Medical conditions.
Its natural therapeutic properties can make sheepskin useful for various medical
conditions,such as:
Arthritis and joint pain. It can be used as padding in wheelchairs,seats and mattresses.
Burns and skin grafts.
Elderly care. It enhances their comfort while sitting or lying down for extensive periods of time.
Bedsores.
Post surgery recovery,rehabilitation.
Neurological disorders. Conditions such as paralysis or multiple sclerosis may find
sheepskin useful for extra comfort.
Sensory processing disorders. Some patients may find comfort in the use of sheepskin for crafting sensory-friendly environments.
Peripheral neuropathy. It can be used as a soft and protective cushioning material for hands and feet.
In conclusion, the sheepskin is one of the best leather materials to use , being both
comfortable and eco-friendly with a myriad of other benefits. It is important to focus on the
ethical sιde of things for it to maintain its long lasting presence it the heritage,environmental
friendliness and usefulness it provides to humankind.
