Weaving Bioregional Material Networks
Weaving Bioregional Material Networks – Circular Valorisation of Alpine Sheep Wool for a Regenerative Economy
In Europe, sheep are primarily bred for meat, dairy production, or landscape maintenance rather than fibre production, resulting in large quantities of raw wool being underutilized or discarded. Due to this, European wool often fails to meet textile industry standards, leading to significant amounts being abandoned in storage, illegally burned, or buried. This practice-based dissertation explores how bioregional production networks can transform alpine sheep wool into a valuable resource through localized, circular valorisation strategies. Focusing on three to four selected bioregions, the study establishes collaborative production networks among local stakeholders. A systematic analysis of each bioregion is conducted to map existing resource flows and actor constellations, identifying new opportunities for wool processing and integration into regional economies. By leveraging local resources and expertise, these networks develop context-sensitive applications for wool as a secondary product, tailored to the material properties, ecosystem dynamics, and specific needs of each bioregion.