Wool in the Kitchen – Useful Facts Worth Considering

May 19, 2020

There has been a lot of research in recent years with regards to indoor air quality and the benefits of healthy workspaces. As a result, wool is re-emerging as the preferred choice for many insulation and commercial use applications, including the kitchen!

From a food safety and hygiene perspective, wool is naturally resistant to bacteria, mould, and mildew.

It also has an innate ability to absorb and neutralise many harmful pollutants from the air, benefitting those who use the space (in this case, the kitchen – where the magic happens).

Wool is also oleophilic – meaning that it has an affinity for oils, making it a great choice for grease containment. The proof is in the pudding (pardon the pun) with Shepherd Filters’ ability to capture up to 98% of grease particulates before they have the chance to accumulate inside the kitchen exhaust system where they become a fire hazard.

So why should you invest in a disposable kitchen grease filter solution made of wool?

Wool is widely recognised as the most flame resistant and difficult to ignite (570-600 °C). Its inherent fire resistance comes from its naturally high nitrogen and water content, thus requires higher levels of oxygen. If smouldering does occur, it’s short-lived. Wool’s highly cross-linked cell membrane structure will swell when heated to the point of combustion, forming an insulating layer that prevents the spread of flame.

Tests show that with the ideal conditions, wool products are almost completely degraded after six months in the ground. It’s an effective soil conditioner and fertiliser, slowly releasing sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium as it biodegrades. This fibre has been shown to biodegrade at a significantly faster rate in soil, composting, and even marine environments. Biodegradeable in both salt and freshwater, wool will not contribute to microplastic contamination.

Sheep are part of the natural carbon cycle, consuming the organic carbon stored in plants and converting it to wool – a renewable product. Australia has strict regional and national bio-security programs to prevent the outbreak and spread of infectious diseases and is also guided by the “5 Freedoms for the Welfare of Animals”, namely Freedom from hunger and thirst; discomfort; pain, injury and disease; fear and distress, and Freedom to express normal behaviours.

Shepherd Filters ensure that your business can also stop wasting water and avoid the use of harsh chemicals when it comes to kitchen exhaust filter maintenance. Contact us to see if we can help you to: