Sustainable Dish Episode 170: Edzard Van Der Wyck, co-founder of Sheep Inc on the sustainability of wool and what makes a great sweater

As I have mentioned before, what we wear plays as much of a part in sustainability as what we eat.  Along with leather, wool is a natural fiber that can be used to create earth-friendly, fashionable pieces that are long-lasting.

On this episode of the podcast, I am joined by Edzard Van Der Wyck, co-founder of Sheep, Inc. Since 2017, Sheep, Inc has been making “contemporary knitwear that has a positive impact on the world.” This mission is completed through solar powered manufacturing, carbon-negative raw materials, and well-cared for sheep. 

Join our conversation to learn:

- How Edzard got started in the fashion industry and how Sheep Inc came to be

- The problems with fast fashion 

- The process of finding sustainable materials

- Cashmere versus Merino wool

- The self-cleaning nature of Merino wool

- How Sheep Inc is able to have a carbon negative impact through optimizing their supply chain

- All about the adopt-a-sheep program

- How comparing wool to slavery or the holocaust is inaccurate and unjust

- Why sheep need to be shorn once a year

- How the wool is treated affects the feel

- The unique marketing approach of Sheep Inc and gender neutral quality of the products

- How you eventually pay the price for things in one way or another

- All of Sheep Inc’s Impact Program where 5% of revenue goes to regenerative projects

- How Covid has encouraged people to make more meaningful purchases

Resources:

- Heist Studios

- Sustainable Dish Episode 14: Director Michael Matheson Miller of Poverty Inc.

- The Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design (CIID)

- ZQRX program

Connect with Edzard:

Website: Sheep Inc.

Instagram: @sheepinc

LinkedIn: Edzard van der Wyck

Twitter: @evdwyck

***

Episode Credits:

Thank you to all who’ve made this show possible. Our hosts are Diana Rodgers, Lauren Manning, and James Connelly. Our producer is Meg Chatham, and our editor is Emily Soape. And of course, we are grateful for our sponsors, Patreon supporters, and listeners.

A big thanks to Nakano Knives for their support of my work and the podcast. I’ve been using their knives for a couple of years now and I love them. They are beautiful, easy to hold, and a fantastic value. And just in time for the holidays, you can use my offer code DIANA for 10% off plus get a $25 voucher toward your next purchase. Who doesn’t love a new knife, right?