REWOOLY: GIVING WOOL A SECOND LIFE
There’s something special about seeing sustainability in action. Reading about it is one thing, but standing in front of massive ragging machines, watching old sweaters transform into soft, fresh fibers—that’s something else entirely. It’s powerful, humbling, and, honestly, a little emotional.
Sorting of worn-out woollen clothing at Lanificio Bigagli.
ReWooly is our latest addition to the felt collection, and it’s remarkable for more than one reason.
Made from 50% discarded woollen clothing, it skips the dyeing process by sorting fibers by color. The result? Beautiful, rich-colored felts with less environmental impact.
A glimpse into the meticulous process of selecting worn-out woollen clothing for separation at Lanificio Bigagli.
Our partner from Prato, Italy, has been perfecting wool recycling for generations. Their passion and deep respect for this craft are contagious. They aren’t just following sustainability trends—they’ve built their lives around keeping wool in circulation. After two years of working together, seeing their persistence and honesty in action, I know these are the people I want by my side.
So, how does ReWooly come to life?
1. Used woollen knitwear is collected, sorted by color and quality, and stripped of buttons, zippers, and labels.
2. It goes through a carbonisation process, removing any plant-based fibers while keeping the wool intact.
3. The real magic happens during ragging—where large machines tear fabric apart, reducing it to a fluffy, fibrous mass, ready to be reborn.
4. The fibers are washed, dried, and prepared to be transformed into new felt.
5. Finally, they are needled and heat-set, giving them the strength to be used again.
The textile industry is one of the biggest polluters in the world. But processes like this challenge the norm. Our partner Lanificio Bigagli has created a circular economy model that minimizes waste, saves water, and reduces energy consumption.
A close look at the material reveals different colours of fibres that, at first sight, might seem out of place. However, now that we understand how the material is made, these fibres are the hallmark of premium quality.
And what does that mean for Kaaita ReWooly slippers?
Every pair we make saves 50 liters of water compared to virgin wool. That’s sustainability you can feel under your feet.
Because the best materials don’t just start fresh—they start again.
Sorting of worn-out woollen clothing at Lanificio Bigagli.