Sheep wool

The endless steppes of Mongolia are home to about 32 million sheep. They are vital to nomadic herder families, serving as the primary source of necessary meat as well as wool, which is used to create the felt coverings for gers (yurts).

Mongolian sheep, with their characteristic large fat tails, withstand the harsh climate of cold winters and hot summers, as well as sometimes poor pastures. They are not threatened by the fly-borne parasitic infections that plague sheep populations in other major wool-producing countries.

In early summer, the nomads carefully shear their sheep by hand and sell the wool through their cooperatives to the Mongolian textile industry. This wool is ideal for the production of felt products and carpets. With over 80 years of experience, however, manufacturers also possess the skill to process the wool—after repeated combing—into unusually soft and warm home textiles, such as blankets and comfortable socks.

The processors and manufacturers of sheep wool products, like the nomads' cooperatives, are members of the Mongolian Eco-Textile Export Cluster. Through the collaboration of all stakeholders and adherence to standards, it ensures the transparency and sustainability of supply chains and products.

You can find more information about the cluster and its members here.