FAQ

Our sheepskins are primarily sourced from reputable suppliers in New Zealand. These exceptional sheepskins are made from 100% New Zealand Wool and meticulously tanned in Christchurch, New Zealand. One noteworthy aspect is that our products are a by-product of the meat industry, ensuring no animals are specifically raised or harmed for the sole purpose of using their skins. In essence, we make the most of a sustainable, natural resource that, when treated with care and precision during the tanning process, offers enduring quality that can last a lifetime.

Our Tibetan and Icelandic Sheepskins are sourced from Tibet and Nordic countries and also tanned in New Zealand.

We employ a diverse range of sheep breeds, thoughtfully selected to match their unique characteristics with the intended end products. Our most common source is a half-breed sheepskin, which blends qualities from different breeds such as merinos, romney, and border leicester. When sheepskin tanners acquire skins, their primary focus is on the fineness and style of the wool required for the specific sheepskin products. It's the distinct features of the wool that take precedence over the specific breed, ensuring that our products consistently meet the highest standards of quality.

We employ a range of dyeing systems tailored to the specific purpose of the sheepskin. Notably, none of our dyeing methods utilize AZO dyes, and we adhere to strict compliance with EU Reach regulations. This commitment ensures that our products are both vibrant and environmentally responsible.

Yes, like all natural materials, sheepskin rugs may undergo a change in colour when exposed to direct sunlight. Sheepskins do not possess the same degree of colour fastness as some synthetic materials. Therefore, we advise against leaving your sheepskin products in direct sunlight to preserve their original appearance.

For comprehensive guidance on the care, storage, and stain removal of sheepskin, please refer to our detailed "Caring for Sheepskin" guide. It offers more information than you might have ever imagined about maintaining the quality and longevity of your sheepskin products.

In general, sheepskin rugs are crafted from skins with finer and softer wool compared to the wool used in woven rugs. Sheepskin rugs are created from the intact skins of sheep, with the natural wool fibers permanently fixed during the tanning process. On the other hand, wool rugs are fashioned from sturdy carpet wool fibers that are woven or injected into a backing material. These rugs use wool types designed for durability and foot traffic, allowing for intricate patterns to be woven into the fabric. In contrast, patterns in sheepskin rugs are achieved by piecing together sections of different sheepskins that have been dyed various colours.

Our white sheepskin rugs are intentionally designed to maintain the sheep's natural colour, which results in a beautiful, natural ivory shade with a hint of creamy yellow. This warm undertone is characteristic of the unaltered sheepskin. It's worth noting that dyed or darker-coloured sheepskins may conceal this creamy shade as they take on different hues during the dyeing process.

Sheepskins do not undergo traditional bleaching procedures, as fabrics do, to achieve a pure white colour. We employ minimal bleaching in our washing processes, primarily aimed at preserving the softness of the fiber. The whitening effect observed on the wool fibers is largely a result of our tanning process, which naturally enhances the sheepskin's appearance without the need for harsh bleaching.

For baby use, we strongly recommend our BabyCare rugs. These rugs are specially chosen to eliminate any loose wool or materials that might pose a choking hazard to a baby. Furthermore, they are tanned to allow more frequent washing. When selecting bedding or comforters for your baby, it's vital to heed the guidance of local childcare professionals, as their recommendations may differ from one country to another. Your baby's safety and comfort are of paramount importance.

These bare patches are inherent to the sheepskin and are areas where wool naturally does not grow. During the final trimming of our skins, we do minimize these areas, but we intentionally do not completely remove them. These patches are an integral part of what makes each sheepskin a distinctive and unique natural product, showcasing the authenticity of the material.

No, NZFUR+SKIN sheepskins are subjected to regular testing to guarantee their freedom from harmful chemicals. Given the variance in chemical standards worldwide, we diligently oversee and manage this process to ensure alignment with both local and international standards. Our stringent testing protocols are in place to confirm the absence of pesticides and heavy metals in our sheepskins. For transparency and your peace of mind, you can access the test results and records specific to each region through our sales offices.