Wool textiles that have gone through the Washwool process withstand water washing - without shrinking or piling.
Melcoton was the first company in the world to turn such a process into none that can be put into effect on an industrial scale.

The biotechnological Washwool finishing process for wool fabrics will open up new uses for wool fibres. The wool can be processed in such a way that wool fabrics withstand shrinking, matting or piling when washed in water.

"The process improves the properties of wool fabrics permanently. Washwool-treated wool fabrics withstand continued use and repeated washes in a domestic washing machine. The process softens the feel of the wool so that is does not feel rough or itchy, even on sensitive skin," says Pia Merikoski, the managing director.

The process, which is a result of Melocoton's product development, is also environment friendly. It is based on the use of enzymes that are produced from a natural raw material and are totally bio-degradable.

Melocoton's special expertise lies in dyeing textile products and the biotechnological finishing processes made in connection with them. Last year the company won the National INNOVATION FINLAND 2003 prize, which was awarded by the country's President, for innovative corporate activities and the development of the Washwool process. In May of this year Pia Merikoski received the international Global Female Inventor of the Year award.

"The Washwool process was developed in-house with Melocoton's own product development resources, supplemented by research work acquired from VTT Biotechnology," says Pia Merikoski.