Frequently asked questions.

Woolcool pioneered the sustainable packaging revolution over two decades ago and have researched, and created innovative solutions for delivering perishable goods, ever since.

Unlike alternative solutions, there’s no need to compromise on sustainability or performance, when Woolcool offers both! We have harnessed the amazing natural properties of 100% sheep’s wool to provide insulation that delivers your products in perfect condition, without harming the planet.

Woolcool uses fully traceable materials and processes which are ISO certified to ensure consistent, clean, high-quality supply.

Other benefits of using wool includes its ability to absorb moisture from ice packs, preventing your products from arriving damp, and reducing damage from any accidental spills during transit. Its flexible nature also protects them from the impacts of courier delivery. 

Our rigorous cleaning process and the natural anti-microbial nature of wool also means that it has a much lower toxicity level when compared with alternative textiles.

See how Woolcool measures up to other solutions here.

We have specifically chosen to use materials that are compostable or recyclable, renewable, easy to dispose of and available in abundance, so that at the end of its life, our packaging does as little damage to the planet as possible. In fact, as wool composts it even adds nutrients back into the ground!

Due to the high performing nature of the materials we use, it also means that overall, our packaging uses less material and as a result, produces less waste compared to alternatives.

We were the first UK company in our sector to become B-Corp certified, are actively working towards meeting UN’s outlined Sustainable Development Goals and all of the paper and cardboard we use is FSC certified.

To find out more about what we’re doing to reduce our impact on planet, you can visit our sustainability page by clicking here.

We’re proud that our packaging range is up to 95% plastic free, utilising natural materials such as wool and paper.

We are however very aware that it is important to use the right material for the right application, and all of our Woolcool® insulation liners are wrapped in a grade 4 recyclable polyethylene film. This is to ensure that they meet hygiene requirements for both food and pharmaceutical applications, and also to increase the reusability of the insulation. Due to the nature of our packaging being designed to work alongside ice packs, which produce condensation during use, waterproof materials also increase the durability of our packaging.

The additional bonus of wool is that it absorbs moisture really well to eliminate this moisture, and you may notice tiny perforations in our film which allow the wool to do this still, despite being wrapped.

We are always researching and staying at the forefront of developments of plastic alternatives in the sector, however we are also keen to fully ensure that a material is fit for purpose, as well as genuinely being better for the environment.

There are several ‘bio’ and ‘compostable’ plastic alternatives now available, but these often require very specific environments to break down, without which they can take many years to degrade just like traditional plastics. Whether they leave behind traces of bioplastics which can still be harmful to the environment, is also questionable and further long-term study is required.

For the time being, we have opted to use a material which our end users know how to dispose of correctly, with total transparency, until we are sure a better alternative is available.

If you’re interested in reading more about our stance on material balance and plastic use, head over to our blog: Striking a Balance: Choosing the Right Materials

By name and nature, Woolcool® is made from wool, which comes from sheep.

Despite this we are an extremely ethically-minded company and do have a number of vegan and plant-based customers on board, who support Woolcool’s environmental values and what we are trying to achieve.

We do not kill sheep for their wool, and we do not use lambs wool. In order for a sheep to stay healthy it must be sheared. Very few breeds of sheep will shed their own wool and so both DEFRA and the RSPCA state that sheep need to be sheared at least once every year as part of their welfare. 

As a result, there is plenty of Wool around, if this was not used, it would probably end up burnt or dug back into the soil. This would be a massive waste for a material which such amazing and sustainable properties; wool is compostable, renewable and forms part of the natural carbon and bio-economy cycle. 

We believe it is key to any business that wants a positive future legacy to consider the Planet and People when making our business decisions. We believe in business as a force for good and the B Corp certification displays this, along with us changing our inherent Articles of Association to commit to this in writing. 

Woolcool® was originally created as a solution to replace the polystyrene box alternative over two decades ago. Since then, we have done lots of research with top universities to delve into the benefits of using wool as a material and in the last year alone, we have saved more than 2,000 tonnes of polystyrene from going into landfill, or our oceans.

We’re extremely conscious of the choices we make in our own wool supply chain. Sourcing our wool only from Britain, Europe and Turkey, we ensure that the wool is from sheep that are well maintained and cared for by law, and it does not require ridiculously high shipment miles. We also do not rely on mass deforestation for our insulation. From a recent Carbon Footprint Analysis conducted, our carbon footprint was found to be extremely low.

To read more about our ethical stance practices, you can head over to the dedicated Sustainability and Ethics page on our website, which included even more information.

If you are still not convinced by all of the benefits of wool, we do have a 100% plant-based fibre alternative available.

Woolcool® has been designed to be as sustainable as possible as a single use application, but due to its flexible and durable nature, it is also reusable… helping out with your CSR and cashflow!

Some of our customers reuse the Woolcool® liners for their food deliveries up to 10 times. Of course, its reusability depends on the condition of the liners after use – for example, if it has been ripped or if contents have spilled out or seeped into the insulation, we would not recommend reuse.

Popular ways of collecting liners back for reuse is via dedicated company vehicles, or creating a courier returns scheme, like Abel & Cole or Naturaw.

As wool is such an amazing material, with lots of useful qualities, we recommend reusing the liners around the home and garden where you can, to reduce waste as much as possible. We have an awesome online community who share all of the clever ways they have reused their wool on social media using #LetsBoxClever.

If you have no use for the wool, it is certified compostable and can therefore be broken up and placed in with your garden waste. Alternatively, it can be home composted, or donated. The food-grade plastic wrap is recyclable. The correct way to do this varies by location, so we’d recommend recycling this in the same way you would any other stretchy plastic bags, such as at your local carrier bag recycling point.

For more reuse inspiration, or information on recycling, head over to our dedicated recycling ideas page.

We only use 100% sheep’s wool, and in particular use the coarsest grade of wool which is rejected by the textiles industry and has even sadly often gone to waste in the past.

Our wool is a British/European wool mix. As a result, all farmers in these regions have high animal welfare expectations. For example, within the UK, sheep shearers need to go through training to become a licensed shearer. It is also worth noting that we do not use lambs wool, or pulled wool.

In order for a sheep to stay healthy it must be sheared. Very few breeds of sheep will shed their own wool and so both DEFRA and the RSPCA state that sheep need to be sheared at least once every year as part of their welfare.

We do not currently buy wool direct from farms, as we are not logistically able to do so at this moment in time.

If you have any concerns with regards to animal welfare, more information can be found here. Alternatively, we’d love to answer any queries you may have and our team is always on hand to help, so please get in touch.

Wool is selected by its grading before being sent to be washed and scoured to ISO standards, using a mild biodegradable detergent, before being felted to the right thickness. It is then cut to size and wrapped in a thin recyclable polyethylene film to ensure that it is food and pharma-safe.

We recommend using ice or gel packs with all of our solutions for best performance, and have a few different options available to purchase alongside your packaging.

Our offering consists of pure water ice packs, which can be disposed of by pouring the contents down the drain, and recycling the plastic outer. These are the most planet friendly option and work great for chilled temperature.

Many customers find that gel packs work better for frozen products, however they contain a solution which unfortunately cannot be poured down the drain, meaning these need to be put into general waste. 

The number of packs required varies depending on the type and size of packaging that’s right for you, and your application. It’s best to discuss this with one of our experts, who will make the best recommendations, assist with testing, and provide a packing protocol.

Food Ice Packs.

After being sheared, all of our wool is washed and scoured in the UK to ISO 9001 & 14001 Standards. All wool sourced is heat treated and no harsh cleaning chemicals are used. The wool goes through a series of hot baths where it is washed and scoured using only hot water and a mild detergent. It then goes through industrial dryers. 

We also regularly use bio-burden testing to measure the contamination and toxicity levels of our wool, to ensure that it is safe to use.

Our wool is wrapped in recyclable polyethylene to contain the loosely felted fibres and prevent direct contact with your products.

Despite our processes, it is often noted that our wool still smells… woolly! This is due to the wax-like substance called lanolin which naturally occurs on a sheep’s fleece for additional protection. Lanolin is perfectly safe and is often found as an ingredient in skin care and cosmetic products. In order to completely remove the lanolin, and therefore the smell, we would need to wash our wool in harsh chemicals which would make it no longer safely compostable.

Woolcool pioneered the sustainable packaging revolution over two decades ago and have researched, and created innovative solutions for delivering perishable goods, ever since.

Unlike alternative solutions, there’s no need to compromise on sustainability or performance, when Woolcool offers both! We have harnessed the amazing natural properties of 100% sheep’s wool to provide insulation that delivers your products in perfect condition, without harming the planet.

Woolcool uses fully traceable materials and processes which are ISO certified to ensure consistent, clean, high-quality supply.

Other benefits of using wool includes its ability to absorb moisture from ice packs, preventing your products from arriving damp, and reducing damage from any accidental spills during transit. Its flexible nature also protects them from the impacts of courier delivery. 

Our rigorous cleaning process and the natural anti-microbial nature of wool also means that it has a much lower toxicity level when compared with alternative textiles.

See how Woolcool measures up to other solutions here.

We have specifically chosen to use materials that are compostable or recyclable, renewable, easy to dispose of and available in abundance, so that at the end of its life, our packaging does as little damage to the planet as possible. In fact, as wool composts it even adds nutrients back into the ground!

Due to the high performing nature of the materials we use, it also means that overall, our packaging uses less material and as a result, produces less waste compared to alternatives.

We were the first UK company in our sector to become B-Corp certified, are actively working towards meeting UN’s outlined Sustainable Development Goals and all of the paper and cardboard we use is FSC certified.

To find out more about what we’re doing to reduce our impact on planet, you can visit our sustainability page by clicking here.

We’re proud that our packaging range is up to 95% plastic free, utilising natural materials such as wool and paper.

We are however very aware that it is important to use the right material for the right application, and all of our Woolcool® insulation liners are wrapped in a grade 4 recyclable polyethylene film. This is to ensure that they meet hygiene requirements for both food and pharmaceutical applications, and also to increase the reusability of the insulation. Due to the nature of our packaging being designed to work alongside ice packs, which produce condensation during use, waterproof materials also increase the durability of our packaging.

The additional bonus of wool is that it absorbs moisture really well to eliminate this moisture, and you may notice tiny perforations in our film which allow the wool to do this still, despite being wrapped.

We are always researching and staying at the forefront of developments of plastic alternatives in the sector, however we are also keen to fully ensure that a material is fit for purpose, as well as genuinely being better for the environment.

There are several ‘bio’ and ‘compostable’ plastic alternatives now available, but these often require very specific environments to break down, without which they can take many years to degrade just like traditional plastics. Whether they leave behind traces of bioplastics which can still be harmful to the environment, is also questionable and further long-term study is required.

For the time being, we have opted to use a material which our end users know how to dispose of correctly, with total transparency, until we are sure a better alternative is available.

If you’re interested in reading more about our stance on material balance and plastic use, head over to our blog: Striking a Balance: Choosing the Right Materials

By name and nature, Woolcool® is made from wool, which comes from sheep.

Despite this we are an extremely ethically-minded company and do have a number of vegan and plant-based customers on board, who support Woolcool’s environmental values and what we are trying to achieve.

We do not kill sheep for their wool, and we do not use lambs wool. In order for a sheep to stay healthy it must be sheared. Very few breeds of sheep will shed their own wool and so both DEFRA and the RSPCA state that sheep need to be sheared at least once every year as part of their welfare. 

As a result, there is plenty of Wool around, if this was not used, it would probably end up burnt or dug back into the soil. This would be a massive waste for a material which such amazing and sustainable properties; wool is compostable, renewable and forms part of the natural carbon and bio-economy cycle. 

We believe it is key to any business that wants a positive future legacy to consider the Planet and People when making our business decisions. We believe in business as a force for good and the B Corp certification displays this, along with us changing our inherent Articles of Association to commit to this in writing. 

Woolcool® was originally created as a solution to replace the polystyrene box alternative over two decades ago. Since then, we have done lots of research with top universities to delve into the benefits of using wool as a material and in the last year alone, we have saved more than 2,000 tonnes of polystyrene from going into landfill, or our oceans.

We’re extremely conscious of the choices we make in our own wool supply chain. Sourcing our wool only from Britain, Europe and Turkey, we ensure that the wool is from sheep that are well maintained and cared for by law, and it does not require ridiculously high shipment miles. We also do not rely on mass deforestation for our insulation. From a recent Carbon Footprint Analysis conducted, our carbon footprint was found to be extremely low.

To read more about our ethical stance practices, you can head over to the dedicated Sustainability and Ethics page on our website, which included even more information.

If you are still not convinced by all of the benefits of wool, we do have a 100% plant-based fibre alternative available.

Woolcool® has been designed to be as sustainable as possible as a single use application, but due to its flexible and durable nature, it is also reusable… helping out with your CSR and cashflow!

Some of our customers reuse the Woolcool® liners for their food deliveries up to 10 times. Of course, its reusability depends on the condition of the liners after use – for example, if it has been ripped or if contents have spilled out or seeped into the insulation, we would not recommend reuse.

Popular ways of collecting liners back for reuse is via dedicated company vehicles, or creating a courier returns scheme, like Abel & Cole or Naturaw.

As wool is such an amazing material, with lots of useful qualities, we recommend reusing the liners around the home and garden where you can, to reduce waste as much as possible. We have an awesome online community who share all of the clever ways they have reused their wool on social media using #LetsBoxClever.

If you have no use for the wool, it is certified compostable and can therefore be broken up and placed in with your garden waste. Alternatively, it can be home composted, or donated. The food-grade plastic wrap is recyclable. The correct way to do this varies by location, so we’d recommend recycling this in the same way you would any other stretchy plastic bags, such as at your local carrier bag recycling point.

For more reuse inspiration, or information on recycling, head over to our dedicated recycling ideas page.

We only use 100% sheep’s wool, and in particular use the coarsest grade of wool which is rejected by the textiles industry and has even sadly often gone to waste in the past.

Our wool is a British/European wool mix. As a result, all farmers in these regions have high animal welfare expectations. For example, within the UK, sheep shearers need to go through training to become a licensed shearer. It is also worth noting that we do not use lambs wool, or pulled wool.

In order for a sheep to stay healthy it must be sheared. Very few breeds of sheep will shed their own wool and so both DEFRA and the RSPCA state that sheep need to be sheared at least once every year as part of their welfare.

We do not currently buy wool direct from farms, as we are not logistically able to do so at this moment in time.

If you have any concerns with regards to animal welfare, more information can be found here. Alternatively, we’d love to answer any queries you may have and our team is always on hand to help, so please get in touch.

Wool is selected by its grading before being sent to be washed and scoured to ISO standards, using a mild biodegradable detergent, before being felted to the right thickness. It is then cut to size and wrapped in a thin recyclable polyethylene film to ensure that it is food and pharma-safe.

We recommend using ice or gel packs with all of our solutions for best performance, and have a few different options available to purchase alongside your packaging.

In addition to these cooling elements, an additional component named a blocker is also often required to prevent your product from coming into direct contact with the ice, helping to maintain your goal temperature range.

The number of packs required varies depending on the type and size of packaging that’s right for you, and your application. It’s best to discuss this with one of our experts, who will make the best recommendations, assist with testing, and provide a packing protocol.

After being sheared, all of our wool is washed and scoured in the UK to ISO 9001 & 14001 Standards. All wool sourced is heat treated and no harsh cleaning chemicals are used. The wool goes through a series of hot baths where it is washed and scoured using only hot water and a mild detergent. It then goes through industrial dryers. 

We also regularly use bio-burden testing to measure the contamination and toxicity levels of our wool, to ensure that it is safe to use.

Our wool is wrapped in recyclable polyethylene to contain the loosely felted fibres and prevent direct contact with your products.

Despite our processes, it is often noted that our wool still smells… woolly! This is due to the wax-like substance called lanolin which naturally occurs on a sheep’s fleece for additional protection. Lanolin is perfectly safe and is often found as an ingredient in skin care and cosmetic products. In order to completely remove the lanolin, and therefore the smell, we would need to wash our wool in harsh chemicals which would make it no longer safely compostable.

None of our systems are pre-validated as such because the MHRA, or similar governing bodies will not always accept generic data. Each company has different products and processes which we bear in mind, to tailor a solution that suits your needs.

Our packaging has however been rigorously tested against industry standards, and we are able to provide performance data relevant to your requirements, and recommend a packing protocol. All you need to do is recreate these in-house to generate your own data in order to meet GDP guidelines, which your dedicated Customer Account Manager will be happy to assist with. We also provide free samples of our packaging for this stage of the process.

We have a dedicated R&D facility on-site, with environmental chambers that can recreate any journey your products may be subjected to, and there is the option for us to assist with trials if necessary.