During a pandemic, everyone is looking for ways to make a contribution, even on a small scale, says Suedwolle Group, the well-known spinner of pure wool and wool blend worsted yarns. The Nuremberg based company has been supporting medical staff in hospitals in Romania and China with high-performance base layer garments, which are worn underneath protective clothing. In this way, the company says, Suedwolle Group would like to express its appreciation for these people who are doing such a demanding and important job for humanity.

In hospitals where COVID-19 patients are treated, medical staff must wear protective clothing, often operating in a sweltering environment where temperatures of 35°C can occur. Under the protective clothing, the skin sweats easily, is in discomfort, itches, and possible skin irritation and rashes can develop, Suedwolle informs.

We cannot treat the pandemic, but together we can make it a little less unpleasant

Conventional base layer garments, which are primarily made from synthetic fibres, showed poor performance in moisture management and thermal regulation in these compromised conditions, the company reports. Up to this point, the garment was worn underneath the protective clothing for three hours and then had to be changed due to the high levels of discomfort. In addition, ventilation could not be used in summer to prevent further spread of the virus, adds Suedwolle.

What was needed was apparel that could reduce the discomfort hospital workers experienced in temperatures at 35°C for a longer period of time. The result is base layer garments that absorb moisture and provides thermal support, Suedwolle says.

Suedwolle Group produced base layer garments from textile ‘excesses’ with slight colour deviations that were initially intended for sports, outdoor or technical end-uses, at its spinning mill Silvania Worsted Spinning (SWS) in Simleu Slivaniei, Romania. With those, the Local medical staff were subsequently supplied with the garments.

Suedwolle also joined forces with the Lenzing Group and the Rainbow Company to produce base layer garments from Merino Tencel blends to supply the medical team at the hospitals in Wuhan, China. With their amazing thermo and moisture regulating properties, Merino wool and Tencel are the perfect natural fibres to be worn under such protective clothing to offer exceptional comfort, Suedwolle says. Now medical staff can work their shifts without discomfort and without having to change their clothes every two hours.

Because the trials have been so successful, Suedwolle says, the company is continuing to produce further base layer garments for hospitals and medical personnel. In addition, its range of medical yarns for all kinds of end uses is either in development or already in use in the form of facemasks or clothing. In its dye house in Germany, Suedwolle is also working on the development of a treatment for pure wool yarns to inhibit the growth of bacteria.

We cannot treat the pandemic, but together we can make it a little less unpleasant, the company concludes.

Suedwolle Group Website