About the project
Restoring the value of greek sheep wool
The Pokari Project seeks to restore the value of Greek wool by creating a sustainable yarn that supports the primary sector and contributes to reducing waste and conserving our cultural heritage and indigenous sheep breeds. It is an interdisciplinary group of artisans, livestock farmers, and scientists based in Greece.
We believe that sheep wool is a valuable resource if used wisely. It is a natural product with multiple traits. It has thermoregulating, sound-, wind-proofing, and to some extent, fire-resistant properties. When correctly processed, it is relatively waterproof. Besides that, it is a skin-friendly and biodegradable material. It has traditionally been used in construction, the textile industry, as a filling for bedding and mattresses, and farming as a fertilizer. Moreover, lanoline, known as wool wax, is a common ingredient in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry.
The innovation of cheaper synthetic and petrol oil-based fibers gradually replaced the natural woolen ones. Thus, the wool industry collapsed broadly in Greece and, to a great extent, globally. Wool is now mostly considered a waste by-product of livestock farming.
Our aims:
– Creating a sustainable yarn from the wool of indigenous sheep breeds
– Producing high-quality woolen products: handmade rugs, outerwear, and homeware
– Organizing educational and conscious raising events
