Keeping our cool: delivering your cheese sustainably
Christmas is just around the corner, and our packing elves here at Shepherds Purse are busy preparing your orders ahead of the big day.
Our aim has always been to create exceptional cheese, but to allow you to enjoy it at home at it's very best, we've also made it our mission to find sustainable solutions, so it reaches you in perfect condition.
Whilst there are many options available, most ultimately end up in landfill, something which we feel passionate about avoiding.
When we came across Woolcool however, we knew it was a solution that fitted in with both our business ethos and provided the ideal solution.
Used in conjunction with gel packs and cardboard boxes, which can also be recycled, Woolcool insulation is made using 100% pure sheep’s wool - a match made in heaven for us!
Sustainable and compostable, wool has superior insulation properties, and is actually more effective than other less environmentally friendly solutions at keeping our cheese consistently colder for longer.
Sustainable and compostable, wool has superior insulation properties
The biodegradability of the wool means that once it's served its purpose it can be returned to the soil, where it decomposes and releases valuable nutrients into the ground. Within 6-12 months it will have disappeared completely, so not only does it reduce food waste by keeping food chilled in transit it also significantly reduces our packaging waste to landfill too - a total win win!
But the benefits don't stop there!
Whilst the insulation can certainly be binned once your cheese has arrived safely, by simply removing the plastic liner, which can be put in with the standard plastic recycling and putting the wool liner into either a household waste or compost bin or by digging into the soil in your garden, there are so many other creative and useful ways to use this fantastic product including:
- Picnic hampers
- Pet baskets
- Protection for plants/trees from frost
- Hanging baskets
- Cushion stuffing
- Feeding roses and keeping slugs off plants
- Pipe lagging
- Craft projects
- Draught excluders
- Pads for gardening
- Keeping takeaways warm
- Keeping drinks/food cold on the beach
How does Woolcool keep our cheese cool?
Wool fibres are incredibly effective at absorbing moisture from the air which minimises humidity and condensation to maintain stable temperatures. The recyclable food grade wrap which encloses the wool in Woolcool is micro-perforated to allow the fibres to breathe and create the natural cooling system.
Is the wool hygenic?
Absolutely! The natural washing and scouring process requires no chemicals, additives or further sterilisation. Wool fibres have been scientifically proven to absorb and lock-in bacteria and dangerous chemicals. The wool is sealed within recyclable, food grade polyethylene wrap to prevent the fibres coming into direct contact with packaged contents.
How many times can Woolcool be re-used?
This depends on the condition of the Woolcool after use, for example whether it has been ripped or if contents have spilled out or seeped into the insulation. If the Woolcool cannot be re-used as it is, the wool can be recycled and re-used or put to many good uses from lagging pipes to insulating garden plants from the frost!