lavalan® - the wool insulation

lavalan® is the highly functional wool filling completely made from renewable raw materials, European sourced virgin wool and a corn based synthetic fibre called polylactic acid (PLA).

The name lavalan® is derived from the Latin term ‘washable wool’. So, machine washability on the gentle wool cycle and with wool detergent is a given.

All lavalan products pass through a thermal bonding process during manufacturing. The PLA connects the wool fibres on countless spots and creates a long-lasting, robust but at the same time soft and comfortable fiberfill for all kinds of textiles and bedding products.

At the end of its lifecycle our filling doesn’t turn into waste because our wool insulation is renewable, recyclable and biodegradable.

In order to match the distinctive requirements for various fields of application (e.g. workwear, active wear, gloves, skiwear, etc.), lavalan® has been developed in different weight categories and qualities: lavalan® sport, lavalan® plus, lavalan® pro, lavalan® stretch, lavalan® soft and lavalan® classic.

Our wool fiber filling is ideal for all outdoor activities, environmentally friendly, sustainable as well as highly functional.

Products with lavalan® wool insulation is moreover ideal for climbing, skiing, biking, cycling, camping, outdoor activities, home textiles & bedding and many more. We love our sustainable wool insulation, once you tried a wool padded product, you will never go back.

lavalan® pure: made of 100% European virgin sheep's wool

100% nature – 100% function – 100% sustainability: lavalan® pure is our newest insulation made entirely from European virgin sheep's wool.

It combines unrivaled functionality with the highest sustainability criteria as wool is naturally renewable and fully biodegradable. Thanks to a sophisticated mechanical manufacturing process, the fleece consists of wool – and nothing else. A great advantage for brands and conusmers that care about a traceable as well as sustainable supply chain and want to make full use of the outstanding functional benefits that the wool fiber offers, like unmatched breathability, active insulation or odour neutralization.  

Due to its fine structure and soft textile feel, the lavalan pure padding is particularly suitable for use in apparel. lavalan pure is not as tear strong as all other lavalan qualities. So, it needs a more regular quilting compared to lavalan sport for example. lavalan pure is a monomaterial insulation and thus it can easily be recycled at the very end of the product life cycle (post-consumer) and be reintegrated into our lavalan® production process.

NEW lavalan® re: wool insulation made of recycled post production wool waste

In line with the zero-waste principle, wool remnants from clothing production are made into a high-function and completely natural padding. lavalan® re  is made of an average of 30 % recycled wool, 50 % virgin wool and 20 % corn-based PLA fibres. The wool for lavalan® re only comes from Europe, is traceable and mulesing-free. lavalan® re is produced in Germany.

For this product, lavalan® uses production waste from the Norwegian textile specialists Devold, Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefsabrik and Rorøs Tweed. Instead of ending up as waste, the wool remnants are collected and processed by Sirkull AS. They are then sent to the production site in Dinkelsbühl, where the recycled wool is made into lavalan® re. There is no need for wool scouring as there is with pure new wool because the recycled wool has already been completely cleaned of lanolin and dirt for its first processing.

lavalan® sport: our most functional wool insulation

lavalan® sport is our standard insulation product, which various apparel and textile brands already appreciate and trust in.

lavalan sport comes with the highest portion of wool fibers within the lavalan product family (85% average) which results in our most functional wadding. The higher the part of virgin wool the better our nonwovens perform in the areas of insulation, temperature regulation, moisture management and odour resistance.

Moreover, lavalan sport provides a nice loft and puffiness due to its sophisticated manufacturing process and the crimp of the wool fiber. Still, the thermal bonding of the wool fibers makes lavalan sport a strong, long lasting and ‘easy-care’ filling for all kinds of fashion and outdoor garments, like active & mountaineering apparel, ski & bike wear, sleeping bags, etc.

lavalan sport can be ordered in a wide range of weight categories. It is available from 40g/m2 for light padded summer garments up to 250g/m2 for very puffy winter jackets and parkas.

lavalan® plus: the more durable wool insulation made of virgin wool and corn

lavalan® plus has been developed with a slightly lower portion of virgin wool versus lavalan sport (average 75%). This ends up in a more durable and abrasion resistant padding, reaching almost the same loft and functionality. lavalan® plus is particularly used in winter, touring and skiing gloves.

Human’s perspiration in the hand area is strong which quite often leads to condensation and as a consequence to cold and clammy hands. Here, wool’s capacity to absorb and release moisture vapour up to 36% of its dry weight comes into complete effect.

Cozy warmth in wool

 Blind tests in the field have revealed that lavalan padded gloves prevent from a condensation since moisture vapour is drawn quickly and transported to the outside of the glove.

This enhanced moisture regulation keeps your hands warmer for longer even during altering activity levels or changing weather conditions.

lavalan® pro: the strongest wool insulation made of virgin wool and corn

lavalan® pro is stronger and more durable than lavalan sport as it carries a slightly higher portion of thermobonding, corn-based PLA fibers and due to its manufacturing process. In addition to the thermal bonding the nonwoven is needled flat which results in a denser and more abrasion resistant wadding.

Thus, lavalan pro offers less volume and loft but additional protection and cushioning which makes it a perfect insulation for workwear, protective gear, ski- or trekking pants.

The demands on workwear are constantly increasing. Thanks to its thermoregulation, lavalan is the perfect companion in working life, as it keeps you constantly dry and warm and balances a wide variety of activity levels. Workwear is subjected to heavy use, which commonly results in very frequent laundering. The advantage of all lavalan paddings is, among other things, the neutralization of unpleasant odors, which makes repeated washing obsolete.

lavalan® stretch

A well thought slotting process makes lavalan® stretch the woolen filling alternative for all products that require additional freedom of movement. After the thermal bonding, lavalan stretch passes through a sophisticated slotting process which adds further elasticity to the filling without using elastane, spandex or similar man-made fibres.

stretch for more freedom of movement

A little higher portion of PLA makes lavalan® stretch still a robust and durable wadding that generates a high degree of wearing comfort and that perfectly works in all areas with an extra need for mobility, e. g. in skiwear, or in elbow, knee and shoulder areas.

lavalan® soft

Human beings spend about a third of their lives asleep. Whether we recover and recharge our batteries for the next day depends on many factors. The sleeping environment, the temperature and of course the bed play an important role. But one of the most important factors is the bedding that surrounds us. Their material, the softness set the standards for good dreams. Research recently revealed that sleeping in wool contributes to a longer and deeper sleep and thus may be a vital aspect in the health and wellbeing of humans.

lavalan® soft combines extraordinary snugness and loft with all the benefits of the finest European virgin wool fibers. This makes lavalan soft the perfect filling for duvets and mattress protectors.

The natural antibacterial properties of wool, along with its inherent ability to regulate both temperature and moisture, lead to a lower and well balanced heart rate and create the best possible conditions for a healthy natural night’s sleep.

Can there be anything better than starting the day rested, relaxed and not sweaty?

lavalan® classic

lavalan® classic is made from coarser wool qualities providing a more dimensionally stable, abrasion resistant and long lasting fibrefill that excellently works for mattresses or mattress toppers. A mattress filled with lavalan classic may round out your “sleeping-in-wool” experience for a comfortable night and a well-rested next morning.

The use of coarser European wool qualities leads to a better cushioning, volume stability and durability of your mattress without compromising in breathability, thermoregulation and odor resistance.

PROLAN

PROLAN is a highly functional padding with a mix of wool and synthetic material to ensure the best correct fit possible. With its benefits it is mainly used for backpacks and shapes with specific requirements such as protectors etc. PROLAN complies with Standard 1621-2 Level 1. In addition, the damping properties of PROLAN are temperature-independent and therefore protect reliably and uncompromisingly under all conditions.

 

Wool care

Wool is a very versatile fibre that can be worn throughout all seasons, be it during demanding alpine tours in winter or any adventure in summer. Wool always gives the right response and delivers cosy warmth, without overheating. Another very important feature of wool is the bad odour neutralization and its self-cleaning capacities. Bearing this in mind, please be aware of our care instructions about how to wash your wool products.

  • Wash as infrequently as possible. Wool does not need to be washed after every use. Wool cleans itself, thus simple ventilation is often enough, saving unnecessary washing processes.
  • lavalan-filled garments can be machine washed on a gentle wool wash cycle at 30°, max. 40°. But, please always follow the care instructions for each specific product.
  • It is essential to use wool detergent. This is important, because wool detergent does not contain proteases which would destroy the structure of the wool.
  • Do not use fabric softener or bleach. Bleach would destroy the wool fibers, so please keep it away from your woolen product. Softeners will coat the wool fibers and reduce their ability to uptake and release moisture.
  • Do not tumble dry. Your lavalan garments are best hung to dry on the washing line or to put flat on a towel at room temperature.
  • Do not iron.