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A vision for lanolin

ith perseverance and the right partners, we have achieved what seemed impossible: lanolin that is derived from organic sheep and can be traced back to organic farms.
Photo: Fuhrmann Argentina / naturamus

Dr. Hauschka cosmetics and WALA remedies are not always completely vegan. We deliberately use ingredients from every corner of nature’s kingdom. Lanolin, which is secreted by sheep and also known as wool wax, is a good example of a valuable substance. When used in creams and ointments, it protects and soothes the skin. However, we were unsatisfied with the lanolin that has been on the market up until now; we wanted an organic product. As this was not available anywhere, WALA’s subsidiary naturamus initiated the production of lanolin derived from organic sheep – and did so with curiosity, perseverance and passion. The company worked hand in hand with partners from around the world, who, like us, act in a fair, socially responsible and eco-friendly way.

Species-appropriate living conditions, organic feed

Organic animal husbandry is, of course, the first key requirement for the production of organic wool wax. After a long search, naturamus found a partner in Argentina that offers both sheep breeding and the subsequent wool processing process – one that cares strongly about not only the health and well-being of the animals but also the environment. On the farms, which are located in cool, dry and windy Patagonia, thousands of sheep live out in the open alongside a few humans. Each sheep grazes on an area spanning approximately 40,000 square metres, far away from intensive agriculture and pollution.

As an organic sheep farmer, this naturamus partner naturally places particular importance on the protection of flora and fauna. The biodiverse pastures offer the animals a rich and varied diet. On the farm itself, a purpose-built management system ensures that the core principles of species-appropriate animal husbandry are consistently implemented in a way that can be verified. As a result, the sheep have the freedom to follow their normal patterns of behaviour, and they grow up without undergoing mulesing.

A GOTS-certified wool-scouring plant

Shearing takes place every year during the Patagonian springtime (between July and September). The shearing process, or esquilada, is followed by scouring. The wool scouring process is certified in accordance with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). The basis of this certification is wool derived from organic sheep. The by-product that results from the scouring process is lanolin, a sought-after substance in the cosmetics industry. It is contained in the wash water, along with dust, insects and plant material.

The rest would be so simple – if only organic sheep did not have problems with parasites. But they do. For that reason, the use of certain animal treatment agents is required by law, including in organic sheep farming. And that is precisely why organic lanolin did not exist until we found a farmer who was prepared to follow an innovative path with us. Organic sheep farmers do not use preventative pesticides, as is common in intensive livestock farming. The sheep are not treated unless a vet finds evidence of a parasite infestation. In that case, an alternative method is used. Instead of herding the animals through tubs full of pesticides, on an organic farm, they are simply sprayed with the substances. Together, these measures significantly reduce the amount of pesticides used. As a result, the wool and the lanolin that is derived from washing it contain the smallest possible amount of residue.

Lanolin, secreted by sheep, is a good example of a valuable substance. When used in creams and ointments, it protects and soothes the skin.
Photo: Fuhrmann Argentina / naturamus
In Patagonia, we found an organic sheep farmer who cares not only about the health and welfare of the animals, but also about ecology.
Photo: Fuhrmann Argentina / naturamus
The biodiverse pastures offer the animals a rich and varied diet.
Photo: Fuhrmann Argentina / naturamus
The shearing process, or esquilada, is followed by scouring. The wool scouring process is certified in accordance with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
Photo: Fuhrmann Argentina / naturamus

Prioritising nature conservation, animal welfare and product quality

We are now just one processing step away from the sustainable wool wax for which we have been searching the globe for years. The lanolin must be cleaned in order to filter out the last remaining pollutants. We were also able to secure a partner whose practices are certified as organic for this step. When cleaning the lanolin, this partner does not use any of the petrochemical and harmful solvents that are usually used. This results in high-purity, organically produced wool wax that can be traced back to every step of the production process – right back to the pastures that the animals grazed on.

Incidentally, sustainability is not the only standout feature of ‘our organic lanolin’. It brings together conservation, animal welfare and product quality. As wool scouring and refining take place in the country of origin, the value created stays in Patagonia. As well as the benefits for the planet, the economic benefits are significant. We make sure that we share these fairly with all our partners along the supply chain.