A few years ago, in Argentina, I was entrusted with the lamb Betty. In order for the orphan to pull through, it had to be bottle fed every four hours. The cute animal immediately accepted my family as his. She came running quickly when called and developed splendidly. But not only the animal! Through regular touch with his fleece, I got – in a very short time – the most beautiful hands I have ever had. What this has to do with lanolin?
Every time I touched Sheep Betty, a little lanolin, also known as wool wax, spread across my skin. The effect was immediately noticeable. My hands have never been so well cared for and soft. My nail beds were also intact and beautiful all of a sudden.
Lanolin: skin care knowledge from antiquity
Of course, I was not the first to realize this. Lanolin has been used for skin care for thousands of years and is still found today in countless cosmetic products and in ointments.
However, today the welfare of animals is no longer respected. Factory farming is widespread and supply chains are opaque and hard to trace.
Animal welfare first
In nature there are many ways of coexistence and mutual use of living beings. Linear factory farming, however, is not envisaged in the natural balance. Even though nature has extremely cruel traits, the ultimate goal is always to close the loop. Factory farming is not only unattractive to the animal itself, but it is also completely at odds with the circulatory system. The cuckoo is perhaps a bad example because it nests with foster parents and simply throws their own offspring out of the nest for its own survival. Ants, however, for example, keep aphids and sometimes even take them into their burrow to overwinter.
While it is natural for humans to eat meat and keep pets from time to time, unfortunately animal husbandry has been so optimized by industrialization and the linear processes associated with it that animals are given an undignified existence. A total renunciation of animal products is the only correct answer in such a system. But also a renunciation of monocultures and any kind of one-sided agricultural economy.
Bio-Lanolin differs from conventional lanolin in the extraction of the wool wax and in the animal husbandry itself. Which is reflected in the quality of the raw material. Non-organic lanolin is untraced in the supply chain and comes from random farms around the world. Unfortunately, museling, the docking of the sheep’s tails, is also a common method of preventing mite infestation. In addition, pesticides with which the animals are treated can be deposited in the secretion and thus reach the end product. Fortunately, this can be prevented through sustainable, organic production.
While lanolin is usually obtained by solvent extraction, the process can also be carried out entirely mechanically without chemical additives. When obtaining lanolin for our production, the wool is first washed with water to remove dirt and debris. Then the wet wool is stirred with a machine that catches the lanolin-rich substance that rises to the top. The further refinement of the viscous mass is then thickened and further purified according to biological specifications.
The cultivation of raw materials, including animal husbandry, and other processes are essential for maintaining the high and pure quality of effective ingredients. It goes without saying that animal welfare comes first. Since we think in cycles, we know that everything will come back to us. With the support of mindful smallholder agriculture, the conservation of biodiversity is supported and the protection of nature is promoted.
What does this have to do with circular economy?
The circular economy has been discussed in recent years as a future-proof, grandchild-friendly alternative to the traditional linear economy based on a take-make-waste model.
In a circular economy, materials are used for as long as possible and waste is minimized. Lanolin is a perfect example of a material that can be used in a circular economy. Since it is a by-product of one industry (wool production) and can be reused in another industry (cosmetics) without becoming waste. It is the natural alternative to kerosenes, which come from petroleum production.
LANUR combines lanolin with cradle to cradle
Cradle to Cradle is a philosophy of industrial design inspired by the way nature renews itself. The idea is to create products and systems that are safe for human health and the environment and that can be continuously reused or returned to nature. The goal is a closed cycle in which waste is eliminated and resources are continuously renewed.
The concept of Cradle to Cradle was first introduced by German chemist Michael Braungart and architect William McDonough in their 2002 book, Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things. Since then, Cradle to Cradle principles have been adopted by a growing number of companies and organizations around the world.
Cradle to Cradle represents a radical departure from the traditional linear approach to industrial design, in which products are made from raw materials, used for a short period of time, and then disposed of as waste. Materials are not considered as waste, but as valuable resources, respectively as nutrients for further cycles.
Applying the cradle-to-cradle principle has the potential to revolutionize the way we make things and could help solve some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Through system change, stop climate change.
That is why famous personalities swear by lanolin
Lanolin has many uses, such as an ingredient in lotions and cosmetics, and it can also be used as a lubricant or for waterproofing. Since lanolin is derived from sheep’s wool, it is a renewable resource. And since it is left over in organic wool production than would actually be left as waste in the wash water, it is a perfect raw material for the circular economy.
“Lanolin has always been an integral part of my skin care routine. Its unique properties make it the perfect all-rounder. I always have it with me to nourish my lips and protect them from harsh environmental conditions. Plus, lanolin heals skin cracks and small wounds.”
– Racha Fajjari, Holistic Health Coach
“Some people love lanolin, while others aren’t always fans of it. It really depends on your preferences and skin type. However, I believe that lanolin, when used properly, is a perfect skin care product.”
– Tamara Sedmak, moderator
“When I use lanolin in my beauty routine, I feel like it gives my skin an extra softness and smoothness that other ingredients can’t match. It’s especially good at locking in moisture and keeping my dry patches at bay.”
– Lisa Brühlmann, Director/Filmmaker
Experience our products with lanolin! You can find more information in our store.
