FURNITURE
Woollen furniture bounces back
SAFI
Natural fibres, particularly wool, are once again in focus as interiors shift toward healthier, more responsible material choices, according to the South African Furniture Initiative( SAFI).
A recent SAFI member, Gerber & Co, supplies locally processed wool fibre and performance-driven upholstery textiles that support manufacturing innovation and improved interiors.
“ Wool is increasingly recognised as a high-performance material. It contributes to thermal comfort, indoor wellbeing, and sustainability in ways that synthetic materials often cannot,” says Ryan Weideman, Sales and Marketing Manager at Gerber & Co.
From raw fibre to superior interior performance
Gerber & Co operates South Africa’ s only industrial-scale wool scouring facility, transforming raw wool into clean, stable fibre ready for textile production.“ Scouring removes lanolin, dust, and contaminants while protecting fibre integrity, helping to ensure consistency and performance,” Weideman explains.
According to SAFI, local processing gives manufacturers access to locally prepared fibre rather than having to rely on expensive imported materials.
Wool and the wellnessdriven interior
Wool’ s natural structure allows it to regulate temperature and manage moisture, helping maintain comfort as interior conditions change. It regulates warmth and excess humidity, contributing towards a balanced indoor climate.
“ It also absorbs common airborne pollutants, is biodegradable, and does not shed persistent microplastics into the environment. In other words, it supports wellbeing in addition to providing visual appeal,” he adds.
The company also produces upholstery textiles for demanding environments. Wool’ s inherent resilience, fire resistance, and temperature regulation make it suited to hospitality, corporate, and residential interiors.“ In short, such upholstery maintains both its appearance and functionality over time, supporting the shift towards slower consumption and longer lifecycles,” Weideman concludes.
Collaboration through the furniture initiative
“ SAFI provides us with a platform where manufacturers, suppliers, and designers can engage meaningfully,” says Weideman.
“ It strengthens collaboration among the members and reinforces the importance of local sourcing.”
Tracy Symons, Marketing Relationship Manager at SAFI, says membership enables businesses to operate as part of an integrated value chain.“ It improves visibility, encourages collaboration, and positions South African manufacturing within both local and international markets,” she explains.
A material aligned with the future
As sustainability targets tighten and wellness becomes embedded in design thinking, wool is increasingly recognised as a material aligned with the future of interiors.
SAFI supports manufacturers working across a broad range of materials. For more information about SAFI or to join the initiative, visit www. furnituresa. org. za.
68 spring 2026 | www. tobuild. co. za