Wool grease, often refined into lanolin, is one of the most valuable natural by-products of the British wool industry. At Standard Wool, our approach to sourcing wool grease is built around quality, traceability and strong relationships with UK farmers.

This page explains how wool grease is naturally produced, how it is recovered during processing, and how we ensure a consistent, high-quality supply across the UK.

What Is Wool Grease?

Wool grease is a natural wax secreted by the sebaceous glands of sheep. It coats the wool fibre as it grows, providing protection against the elements by creating a water-repellent barrier and helping to maintain fleece health. [oai_citation:0‡Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanolin?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

This raw material, often referred to as “greasy wool” when still on the fleece, is a complex mixture of lipids and waxy esters that later form the basis of refined lanolin. [oai_citation:1‡LanisLanolin](https://lanolin.com/industrial-use/wool-grease/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

From Sheep to Raw Wool

The process begins at shearing. Across the UK, sheep are typically shorn once per year, usually between late spring and mid-summer. At this stage, the fleece contains:

Natural wool grease (lanolin)
Suint (dried sweat salts)
Dirt and environmental matter

This combination is known as “raw” or “greasy wool”, and it is the starting point for wool grease recovery. [oai_citation:2‡Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wool?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Collection and Procurement

At Standard Wool, we work directly with farmers and suppliers across the UK to source raw wool at scale. Our procurement model is built around:

Reliable collection from farms and shearing operations
Fair and competitive pricing for producers
Efficient logistics to move wool quickly into processing

By maintaining strong relationships within the agricultural sector, we ensure consistent access to high-quality wool that meets the requirements for grease extraction.

How Wool Grease Is Extracted

Wool grease is not removed during shearing. Instead, it is extracted during a process known as wool scouring.

During scouring, raw wool is washed in hot water with specialised detergents. This removes:

Grease (lanolin)
Dirt and debris
Suint and soluble impurities

The grease is then separated from the wash water using centrifuges, producing a crude wool grease that can be further refined. [oai_citation:3‡Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanolin?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Typically, wool grease accounts for between 5% and 25% of the weight of freshly shorn wool, making it a significant and valuable co-product of the wool industry. [oai_citation:4‡Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanolin?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Quality and Variability

The quality and composition of wool grease can vary depending on several factors, including:

Breed of sheep (fine wool breeds produce more grease)
Climate and environmental conditions
Nutrition and health of the animal
Handling and storage of the fleece

At Standard Wool, we carefully manage sourcing and handling to ensure that the wool entering the processing stage is suitable for high-quality grease recovery.

From Wool Grease to Lanolin

Once extracted, crude wool grease can be refined into lanolin. This involves removing impurities, deodorising and stabilising the material for use in a wide range of industries.

Lanolin is widely used in:

Cosmetics and skincare products
Pharmaceutical formulations
Industrial lubricants and coatings
Leather and textile treatments

Its natural emollient and water-repellent properties make it highly versatile across both consumer and industrial applications. [oai_citation:5‡FreightAmigo](https://www.freightamigo.com/en/blog/logistics/what-is-wool-grease-understanding-this-valuable-natural-substance/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

A Sustainable By-Product

Wool grease is not a primary extraction product, it is a natural by-product of wool processing. This makes it an inherently sustainable material, derived from a renewable resource that would otherwise be removed during cleaning.

Its biodegradability and wide range of applications also position it as an alternative to synthetic and petroleum-based materials in many industries.

Our Approach at Standard Wool

At Standard Wool, our procurement of wool grease is driven by a commitment to:

Supporting British farmers through fair pricing
Maintaining consistent supply chains
Ensuring quality from farm to processing
Maximising the value of every fleece

By working closely with producers and processors, we ensure that wool grease is not overlooked, but recognised as a valuable and functional material in its own right.

Looking Ahead

As demand grows for natural, sustainable materials, wool grease and lanolin are becoming increasingly important across global markets.

Through responsible sourcing and efficient processing, Standard Wool continues to play a key role in bringing this traditional, renewable material into modern applications.

To learn more about our wool grease supply and how we can support your business, visit our dedicated page or get in touch with the team.