Marlaine

MARIANTONIA URRU

Circular bioeconomy and sustainability strategies for the development of the wool supply chain in cross-border areas

MARLAINE is a project that bases its activities on the principles of bioeconomy and circularity, with the aim of relaunching the wool supply chain in cross-border areas.

The project is based on three main action strategies:

  • Circular bioeconomy scenarios

  • Innovative applications for the wool sector

  • Governance and coordination capacity, dissemination and communication of results

The areas involved in the project are characterized by a fragmented and under-developed wool agricultural and manufacturing system. Precisely for this reason, they represent fertile ground for developing a production system centered on circularity and the recovery of a raw material that, until recently, was considered of little value.

Lead Partner
IBE – Institute for Bioeconomy, National Research Council

Partner
NTT – Next Technology Tecnotessile, National Research Society R.L.
UCPP – University of Corsica Pasquale Paoli, Fondation de l’Université de Corse
CA83 – Chambre d’Agriculture du Var
RECAMPUM – Association Lo Recampum
GAL BG – Barigadu-Guilcer Local Action Group
M/U – Mariantonia Urru Srl

Mariantonia Urru joined the MARLAINE project in 2024.
One of the project’s main objectives—to maximize the value of wool, from the harvesting process to the finished product—corresponds to one of the company’s strategic priorities.

Wool represents approximately 80% of the raw material used in production for M/U. Starting from the single piece of yarn, blends are created that combine different materials, thus obtaining yarns with unique characteristics.

During the same period as joining MARLAINE, M/U launched the “Tinto in Pecora” project, which reflects the company’s ethical and work ideals and fully aligns with the principles of the European program: using natural Sardinian wool without resorting to chemical treatments.

Wool, known for its durability, is a versatile and innovative raw material for a variety of applications. Free from chemical treatments and dyes, it guarantees maximum health and full respect for the environment. It is biodegradable, 100% recyclable, and poses no health risks.

M/U also aims to promote the local area, making knowledge sharing and communication the basis of its innovative path.

  • Participation in the 2024 Edition of the Salon

  • Participation in the 2025 Edition of the Salon

  • M/U and Materially collaboration

  • Experiments on yarns and fabrics

The research and experimentation carried out so far have demonstrated the extreme versatility of sheep’s wool for use in various sectors.

Through this research, the project highlights the intrinsic qualities of wool, enhanced by natural manufacturing processes and a new local ecology.
A circular bioeconomy approach is fundamental, which:

  • Reuse local wool on site in compliance with environmental sustainability.

  • It transforms an animal by-product, currently considered waste, into a natural and sustainable product, with performance even superior to many synthetic materials derived from petroleum.

Wool thus goes from being a waste material, with disposal costs, to a valuable raw material, capable of generating niche products with high added value and benefits along the entire supply chain, right down to the farmers.

M/U aims to create a new production unit where wool is processed from the earliest stages – from harvesting and sorting during shearing to the production of the finished product.

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