Wool Envelope inlays are now made of 100% wool: Why this is a big deal
After over two years of engineering, building, testing, and fixing, we’re thrilled to announce:
Wool Envelope inlays are now made of 100% wool!
That means we got rid of PLA (polylactic acid), the corn-based binder we previously used to bind together the sides of the wool inlays.
“No PLA” might not sound like the kind of thing that makes headlines. But it’s a significant step forward in terms of sustainability.
Why it matters
We started with PLA when we set up our first production line, as it was a process we could set up relatively quickly and easily — this was important for us as a new business just launching to the market.
However, we have always known that using PLA or any bioplastic is not ideal. It's a material that's difficult to recycle or compost and confusing for consumers.
"Product innovation should be led by sustainability. Removing PLA is part of our long-term vision to replace bubble wrap with waste wool. This new generation of Wool Envelopes is a big step towards making that a reality."
— Anna-Liisa Palatu, co-founder and CEO of Woola
Let’s break down why we worked relentlessly to build a new production line that could make the wool inlays from just wool.
1. The new production line is 4.4x more energy-efficient
Our new proprietary process binds wool fibres mechanically, while the previous method required treating the material with heat. The result? A massive leap in energy efficiency and a serious drop in our impact.
2. A shorter, smarter supply chain
By eliminating PLA, we also eliminated the need to source the corn-based material. Fewer moving parts, fewer emissions, and a tighter supply chain altogether — all part of our mission to offer better packaging.
3. 100% wool = 100% home-compostable
Wool is made up of the protein keratin – the same protein found in human hair. The inlays are now made entirely from wool, so they can be composted or disposed of in biowaste. Wool is completely biodegradable and even releases useful nutrients to the soil when composted.
While wool is biodegradable, the process takes a relatively long time. Depending on the batch of wool itself and the external environment, this varies from 3 months to 2 years.
We are conducting tests ourselves to see how long it takes for Wool Envelope inlays to decompose in home compost environments. In the long run, we aim to validate this with third-party certifications.
All that said, we still encourage you to reuse or return the inlays as the first choice.
Same protection, look-and-feel
When it comes to protective packaging, wool’s elasticity is its secret superpower. It protects fragile goods just as well — or better — than plastic bubble wrap. And yes, we’ve run the tests with 100% wool inlays, too, to prove it.
While we’ve upgraded the sustainability of the Wool Envelope inlays, we’ve kept their design clean, with the minimal design and premium feel that our customers know and love.
“As a brand committed to minimal environmental impact, we’re delighted to see Woola eliminating PLA. Single-material solutions are always a step forward, and reducing the energy needed for production is a real plus.”
— Marie Kellou, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Maison Matine
How to spot the difference
Unless you pay close attention, you might not even notice the change in the envelopes inlays. However, it’s important to distinguish them in case you want to compost the inlay or use it in some other creative ways.
The most surefire way to determine which version you received is to look at the back print: if it says “100% wool inside,” then it’s the PLA-free version.
There is also a notable difference in the general look of the side edges of the inlay. PLA inlays have strong and smooth-looking edges, whereas the 100% wool versions are thicker.
Spot the difference: a PLA-infused wool inlay (left) vs a 100% wool inlay
The new Wool Envelopes are commercially available if you buy from us directly – and will gradually also be replaced in our reseller’s stocks. Want to try them out? Request samples here.
