Biodegradable sheep's wool may slow glacier melting as effectively as plastic covers, offering a sustainable alternative.
Biodegradable wool tested on a glacier
In 2026, researchers placed biodegradable sheep's wool on a glacier in the Swiss Alps to test its ability to reduce melting. The experiment aimed to find an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic covers used to protect glaciers from summer heat.Wool showed surprising effectiveness
The wool covers reduced the glacier's melting by more than 50 percent, a result that surprised scientists. This performance was comparable to that of synthetic plastic covers, which have been used for decades but release harmful microplastics into mountain water systems.Wool patches installed on Glacier 3000
On June 22, 2026, students from the University of Lausanne placed two patches of biodegradable wool on Glacier 3000. Each patch covered 100 m² and was made by Fisolan, a local company, using two different thicknesses of wool. A geotextile of the same size was also installed as a control.Measurements tracked melting over three months
The team recorded biweekly measurements throughout the summer. They used stakes planted in the center of each covered area to track the loss of snow and ice. Recycled malt bags filled with gravel helped secure the wool covers against strong mountain winds.Preliminary results suggest wool's potential
According to the Summit Foundation, the wool prototypes provided protection similar to traditional geotextiles. The wool remained intact under harsh high-altitude conditions. However, the findings are still preliminary and require further study to confirm their long-term effectiveness.
