Woolchemy Wants to Put Wool in Your Diaper

Natural fibers are all the rage in nonwovens, but did you ever think you’d see wool in a disposable baby diaper or menstrual pad? A mother-daughter duo in New Zealand is making it happen.

Ten years ago Angela Potroz, a farmer from the Taranaki region of New Zealand, was grappling with the decline of crossbred wool prices. Her daughter, Derelee Potroz-Smith, a new mother, was shocked about the alarming amount of non-biodegradable, petroleum-derived plastics and potentially toxic chemical used in baby diapers and feminine hygiene products. That’s when they reached an ah-ha moment that these two problems could solve each other. 

Woolchemy, founded in 2010, works with scientists to transform an underutilized traditional natural fiber—crossbred wool—into truly innovative, multi-use products. Today the company manufactures and supplies absorbent wool-based nonwovens to global brands that share its vision to deliver sustainable, high-performing products without compromising environmental and social responsibilities.

“New Zealand is the third largest producer