Sisalwool

The Story of Sisalwool

How it began

Our founder, John, started his journey in East Africa, working with farmers who were facing the impacts of climate change. During this time he discovered sisal, a resilient, drought-tolerant fibre that had fallen out of use in many industries.

Curiosity sparked innovation

John began asking questions. What makes sisal unique? Could it be developed into a sustainable material without relying on plastics? A research project with the Edinburgh University School of Architecture confirmed the possibilities and set the foundations for what would become Sisalwool.

From exploration to excellence

Early tests showed that sisal had excellent thermal properties. The challenge was its coarse texture. After more than 50 different blends, the breakthrough came by combining sisal with wool. This pairing brought together the strength and breathability of sisal with the softness and flexibility of wool.

Refinement and sustainable progress

Through continuous testing and refinement, Sisalwool insulation was created. It was recognised for its low-carbon performance and high-quality results. At first it was made with virgin fibres. Later, with support from Zero Waste Scotland, we developed a version made entirely from recycled materials, offering the same benefits with a far lower environmental impact.

What makes Sisalwool different

Sisalwool insulation contains at least 80% natural sisal and wool, bound with a recycled bi-component fibre. The result is an insulation that holds its shape, fits securely without sagging, and is easy to cut on site. Unlike many traditional insulation products it does not itch, and it is free from synthetic binders and plastics.

Our materials: natural, circular and ethical

• Sisal: Harvested from agave leaves, sisal has long been valued for its durability and water resistance. Today we give it a second life by repurposing coffee sacks from UK roasters and turning them into high-performance insulation.
• Wool: Our wool is sourced from a wide range of places, including denim off-cuts, carpet waste, tweed noils and Scottish Blackface wool that is considered too coarse for textiles. Each batch is unique, and each is ideally suited for insulation.

Closing the loop

We are committed to a circular system. Waste from our production process is returned to the cycle and reused in future products. By turning waste into resource we ensure that Sisalwool insulation is not only effective but also part of a more sustainable building industry.