ABOUT THE PROJECT

It all started with the ambition of contributing to the fight of the climate crisis and saving the underrated dog wool resources from ending up in piles of plastic bags in landfills.

At Friendly Textiles we collect and research the brushed-out undercoat of double-coated dogs. We strive to save the natural, renewable and biodegradable fibre from being thrown away and to develop high-quality sustainable chiengora yarn suitable for the textile industry. We aim to introduce a high-quality alternative to other traditionally used natural wools.

We research chiengora in laboratories to find out the properties of this newly rediscovered long-time known fibre and find ways to improve its functionality.

Chiengora is fine wool from the brushed-out undercoat of double-coated dogs. It is natural, renewable and biodegradable, thus - sustainable. As chiengora is completely natural, so when it biodegrades, it does not leave any microplastics behind, unlike synthetics.

Chiengora is ethical and animal-friendly, as collecting the brushed-out dog undercoat does not harm or negatively affect any dog. All dogs need brushing, most of the dogs love being brushed. Brushed-out dog undercoat is a by-product (waste) of regular brushing, which is essential for any dog’s good health and well-being.

Chiengora can be easily composted making a perfect natural fertiliser for your soil. However, if you are not into composting, do not throw the brushed-out dog undercoat away, donate it to the Friendly Textiles project.

Let’s upcycle! Let’s fight the climate change together!