Wolfwall is a research project on an eco-sustainable thermal-phono insulation material, which can be used both in construction and in product design, through the processing of the fibers obtained from the undercoat of dogs.

The research project sinks its roots in a study of the insulating materials used in construction, analysing both their direct impact, such as physical capacities in regards to the attainment of hygrometric comfort and energy saving, as well as their indirect impact, such as the resources necessary for their production, use and disposal, the sustainability of the raw materials used and their socio-environmental impact.

The designed material is part of the panorama of insulating materials deriving from natural and recycled raw materials, since it’s a fibre currently considered as undifferentiated urban waste. Dog underfur, despite being of organic origin, has in fact a very lengthy decomposition time, which is not compatible with most of the composting processes. Canine fibre is a natural waste product, obtained without causing any harm to the animal; it does not require intensive breeding and it is currently considered an inconvenience to be disposed of in large quantities for grooming centres, breeders and dog owners. Twice a year, dogs go through molting, the natural process of shedding the undercoat to allow the coat to renew itself in view of the incoming colder or warmer season.

Dog wool, also known as chiengora, was used in the past to replace sheep wool before the introduction of intensive farming. It was also appreciated for its natural hypoallergenic property: the allergen that causes a reaction is not on the hair strands, but it is instead produced by the sebaceous glands. As a result, once the hairs have fallen off and the fibre has been washed, there is no trace of it left on the wool. The processing of this fibre requires the use of the same machines employed for the other textile fibres, so it does not require for investment of large sums to be introduced, and it fits within a conscious management of water resources employed in production since, excluding an initial washing phase, mechanical carding and needle punching is used for transformation into felt.

The availability of the raw material made on official estimates on the legally registered canine population demonstrates a sufficient quantity for an industrial employment of the material produced. Considering that all dog breeds lose fibres in varying amounts, and based on empirical data, half of the dog population was used for the calculations. Hence, through the estimate, in Italy at least 115 million kilos of undercoat would be produced annually, of which 90 million kilos of useful fibre, considering a 20% weight loss due to washing. This quantity would allow for the production of 90,000,000 m2 of felt / year.
One of the challenges to which a solution should be found in order to evolve the project is the procurement of the raw material. Although dog fibres are present in large quantities, it would require a marketing and communication strategy to invite grooming centres, breeders and dog owners to enter the circular market. A possible solution could be a series of collection points, perhaps with an encouragement though a system of discounts based on the quantity of raw material submitted, involving pet stores, cynological federations, kennels and breed rescues.
The project requires communication, as well as an economic strategy for the procurement of the raw material, based on social impact. It is clear how the use of dog fibre can be, without proper communication that emphasizes the protection of the animal, erroneously read in contrast with the principle of cruelty free which is intrinsic to the project. On the other hand, it can be an excellent opportunity to make consumers aware of the principles of circularity and the impact of individual actions. The collection of fibres, waste from common household cleaning appliances, underlines how what is currently considered as an uncomfortable waste, seen as a criticality in living with a pet, can become a source of economic, moral and social gain.

The premises of the laboratory results bring great hope towards the advancement of research. The analytical results obtained from the laboratory tests show that the product is physically very performing, despite the samples, being handcrafted, exhibited inaccuracies and inhomogeneities, which decreased their physical capacities.

The tests showed that the product has thermal characteristics of Thermal Conductivity λ = 0.035 W / mK, more than the average (λ = 0.043W / mK of traditional insulators - λ = 0.045W / mK of recycled insulators).
The product also has excellent sound absorbing capacities between 800 Hz and 4000 Hz, reaching its peak at 3150 Hz. Acoustic absorption coefficient α = 0.94.

On an analytical level, the project still requires several studies to be carried out, such as fire resistance, vapor permeability and thermo-acoustic capabilities on samples made in an industrial chain, in order to verify their versatility and potential in the field of construction and product design.

This material, thus, is proposed as an excellent insulating solution inserted in the paradigm of the circular economy. The availability of the fibre, with careful logistics management for the procurement, allows the introduction of the product in the industrial sector. It sees its usability in the field of thermal insulation also thanks to the little economic expenditure necessary to be implemented, both in terms of the cost of the raw material, currently considered urban waste, and as the investment necessary for the industries for production.

Wolfwall allows to breathe new life in a wasted resource, as well as promoting a correct eco-sustainable approach of upcycle, integrating itself in the tight relations between technology, enterprise and consumers as a potential green-oriented competitor.