The IWTO Sleep & Dream Awards 2009 focuses on new innovations and designs using wool in the bedding sector. The project’s aim is to strengthen the focus and the visibility of wool and wool blends along the whole textile pipeline.

The three best bedding innovations from the IWTO Sleep & Dream Awards 2009 were displayed at Heimtextil. The stand provided to the three winners for their projects is a one-roof platform with three individual sub-sections for each of individual displayed their works and creations with wool.

Lavalan – washable wool by Baur Vliesstoffe

Mattress encasing with virgin wool/IngeoTM filling can be washed at high temperatures – up to 60°C - and retain its form. It combines the advantages of wool with easy-care properties of other fibres to deliver the perfect form, active hygiene and outstanding sleeping comfort. The filling makes the difference, breathable and washable, ecological and sustainable: Baur nonwovens provide outstanding sleeping systems for an even higher quality of life.

John Marshall and Company Limited - JMCO Ltd.

Joma and Glenoit pooled their know-how and technology to create a breakthrough in sleep comfort. Engineered performance of the Joma crimped wool in a Glenoit pile fabric, created the Three Dimensional Sleeping Surface. The purpose of the pile fabric is to replace the usual cotton or synthetic fibre mattress ticking. Not only will it provide all the benefits of wool at 500gsm, but also provide a safe, chemical-free, fire resistant barrier that will meet stringent Californian fire regulations relating to bedding construction.

Woolcore by magari – Charlotte Sehmisch

 The supporting material of the bed construction is exclusively wool felt fixed to the wooden frame made from steam bent plywood. The bed is set together like Lego building blocks, made up from the wooden frame, elliptic comb mattress, two felt fixtures as well as 16 wooden rods that complete the construction without any metal parts.

In this bed all the positive properties of wool felt are used: wool as a natural material makes for a comfortable microclimate at high and low temperatures. Made from vertical comb like structures the mattress is firm, comfortable and well aerated.

The Jury also awarded Certificates of Merit to the following entrants for their contributions to the contest:

• Saroj Bala and Sonali Pal of Pearl Academy of Fashion, India .
• Sandra Garcia, Uruguay.
• Karola König of Agentur Karola König, Germany.
• Claudia Weiss de Machado of Montelan S.A., Uruguay.
• Ulrich Samper of Usam Holzgestalltung, Germany.
• Peter Sheldon of FibreTech New Zealand Ltd, New Zealand. 

Courtesy:  ROOMS
 FOR FREE e.V. Wilhelm-Busch-Str.
8,D-09127 Chemnitz, Germany.