Everything You Need To Know About Possum Fur
Possum fur is a natural product used to create luxury garments, ranging from scarves to jackets. Arguably, this material is the national fibre of New Zealand, and it has many wonderful qualities; however, there are arguments about the treatment of possums in The Land of the Long White Cloud.
At Brocklehursts, we explain the uses and benefits of possum wool while exploring the New Zealand possum problem and why culling possums is essential for preserving New Zealand’s habitats.
Table of contents
- What is possum wool?
- What is possum fur good for?
- Is possum wool ethical?
- Is possum fur warmer than wool?
- Are possums killed for possum wool?
- How is possum merino made?
- How do you wash possum wool?
- What are the benefits of possum wool?
- New Zealand’s possum problem
What is possum wool?
Made from a blend of fur from New Zealand brushtail possums and other fibres such as cashmere and merino wool, the yarn is softer and warmer than these fibres alone.
Derived from renewable resources, possum fur is a natural product that helps eradicate one of New Zealand’s largest pest problems. Possums aren’t originally from New Zealand, having been integrated from Australia in 1837, so the culling of possums is encouraged to make products.
Possum fur has a lifespan of approximately 30 years, compared to fake possum fur, which uses nearly 10 barrels of oil per coat and takes up to 1000 years to biodegrade.
What is possum fur good for?
Possum fur is an excellent material for creating luxurious garments, such as scarves, gloves, and jumpers. Its low-pill and anti-static characteristics ensure that any garment produced is long-lasting and resistant to wear and tear. Possum fur also has great moisture-wicking abilities, helping to keep your skin dry and clothing free of odours.
If you want to invest in high-quality clothing made from possum merino wool, our Noble Wilde garments are incredibly stylish and keep you warm and comfortable.
In New Zealand, every garment made using possum fur means there is one less possum attacking native species, resulting in a positive change to the country’s ecosystem.
Is possum wool ethical?
Real possum fur is ethically sourced from renewable sources and globally recognised as an ethically sound material. Fake possum fur is manufactured using petroleum-based products, using approximately 10 barrels of oil for one fake fur coat.
Possum fur is biodegradable, sustainable and obtained locally, making it an ethically sound practice. The treatment of animals is often questioned for the extraction of possum fur; however, there are no possum fur farms in New Zealand.
The New Zealand Department of Conservation states that possum fur gathering, 100 percent of which comes from wild pest populations, is one of the best ways to control the possum population to ensure the protection of the country’s habitats.
Is possum fur warmer than wool?
Possum fur has hollow fibres, which allegedly makes it one of the warmest furs in the world, after the Arctic fox and Polar Bear. The hollow fibres of possum fur are exceptional at trapping heat, which helps to provide excellent insulation and temperature regulation in garments.
Air is also trapped within the material when blended with Merino wool, which helps add extra insulation. The hollow fibre structure of possum fur ensures that it doesn’t freeze, providing warmth and protection against extreme cold. Possum fur is reportedly approximately 8 per cent warmer than wool, 35 per cent warmer than cashmere and 50 per cent warmer than merino wool.
Are possums killed for possum wool?
After being integrated into New Zealand from Australia in 1837, the possum has become one of New Zealand’s biggest environmental threats, as they have no native predators, meaning toxic chemicals are required to control them.
Possums are not killed primarily for their fur; using their fur to create garments is a by-product of controlling a pest infestation. By killing possums, New Zealand’s forests are protected, and the use of toxic chemicals is prevented. Using their fur is a secondary impact that allows for job creation and manufacturing of luxurious garments.
Noble Wilde Possum Merino Gilet
How is possum merino made?
Possum merino is made from possum fur and merino sheep wool, creating a high-quality and sustainable yarn. Possum fur has unique hollow fibres that provide excellent insulation, while merino wool is a stronger, longer yarn that is breathable and versatile.
During production, possum fur and merino wool are spun together to create a firm yarn that won’t pill or break down. On its own, merino wool can create stunning knitwear; however, when combined with possum fur, the result is a luxurious blend perfect for making velvety, soft, warm and lightweight products.
How do you wash possum wool?
Whether you machine wash or hand wash, you must use an approved wool detergent to keep the wool clean and in top condition. A warm hand wash is recommended when washing possum wool; however, a machine wash that doesn’t exceed 30℃ is suitable.
If you decide to hand wash, ensure you gently rinse your garments at the same temperature as washing, as using a different temperature could cause the garment to shrink. When hand washing, use no more wool detergent than necessary. Start with a small amount, then increase the amount if needed.
You should never bleach or tumble dry your possum wool garments. Bleaching possum wool will cause the fibres to break down and damage your garments while tumble-drying possum wool will cause it to shrink. Possum wool garments should be laid flat to ensure they are fully dry.
What are the benefits of possum wool?
Possum fur is one of the most deluxe materials, exhibiting many benefits that make it a great material for garments. The hollow fibre structure allows for increased insulation, keeping the wearer very warm and cosy. When blended with merino wool, possum wool is hypoallergenic, resulting in a material that doesn’t irritate the skin. It is also velvety soft and lightweight due to the construction of the hollow fibres, ensuring any garments made are luxurious and high-quality.
New Zealand’s possum problem
Approximately 30 million possums in New Zealand eat up to 21,000 tonnes of foliage daily, equivalent to half a pound per possum. They also prey on the eggs and chicks of endangered birds, such as the Kokako, Keruru, Weka, Fantail, and Kiwi - the national bird of New Zealand.
Possums have the potential to collapse a forest canopy just 15 years after arriving, which is why controlling the possum population is essential. Requiring a thriving native bush to uphold their ecosystems, possums are destroying the natural habitat at every turn.
The eradication of possums is crucial for preserving New Zealand’s wonderful habitats and wildlife. New Zealand’s government has planned to eliminate all possums by 2050, posing a great environmental challenge.
Shop luxurious garments at Brocklehursts
While possum fur is used to manufacture high-quality garments with several benefits, this is a secondary impact of possum culling, essential for preserving New Zealand’s habitats and wildlife. If you’re looking for luxurious possum merino clothing, why not browse our full collection of men’s and women’s clothing?
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