Innovating with wool SINCE 1999
For over two decades, Terra Lana has harnessed the unique qualities of New Zealand wool to create innovative wool products for our people, our land and our future.
The Story of Terra Lana
Wool is the heart of Terra Lana. We’re all about these super-powered fibres – acoustically sound, moisture-wicking, warmth-producing, soft and natural. We have been innovating with New Zealand wool to manufacture products for the construction sector since 1999.
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Terra Lana is committed to supporting the New Zealand wool industry, the planet and our people through embedding circular design as part of our manufacturing DNA.
We’re constantly transforming, shaping and evolving what we do, what we bring to the market, and how we support the construction sector to be more sustainable, now and into the future. This is Terra Lana: building wool innovation, for life.
A History of Innovation
In 1999 Terra Lana Products Limited pioneered the commercialisation of making insulation and eco-textiles from recycled wool. The team built on the work of The Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand, now AgResearch, looking to bring more sustainable, natural solutions to market for New Zealanders.
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We were the first New Zealand company with wool-based insulation products to be appraised by BRANZ in 2012.
In 2018, our insulation products became Declare Certified. The Declare label provides transparency for a product’s lifecycle – from material origins to manufacturing to end of life. It is a clear statement of our commitment to sustainability and supporting consumers to make healthy informed choices about products used in their homes.
Through our return and recycling program, we were able to conceptualise CHATTERBLOCK® – our acoustic product made from 75% recycled Terra Lana insulation offcuts.
CHATTERBLOCK® acoustic insulation was then launched to market, a product specifically designed for both residential and commercial acoustic applications.
The year 2022 saw our Drop-In-Floor insulation product released as a replacement to the polystyrene alternative that is most used in the market.
DAGMAT is our latest innovation. Released in 2023, this innovative landscaping product harnesses the unique properties of dag wool for exceptional natural performance to enhance soil health, suppress weeds and manage soil erosion.
In 2024, we will be transitioning our thermal bonding oven from gas to renewable energy, further aligning with COP28’s global objectives to reduce fossil fuels in manufacturing.
Sustainability Principles & Practices
Here at Terra Lana, superior performance and sustainability through nature and innovation have always been at the core of what Terra Lana is all about—better products made as responsibly as possible.
How we do it
We do this by operating a Zero Waste policy with a ‘circular/closed-loop’ manufacturing model. That means our products are made from natural, sustainably sourced wool with any other materials being predominantly recycled.
- We use otherwise wasted new wool from local farms and pre-consumer wool-textile-industry waste.
- Any polyester we use is mostly from recycled PET bottles.
- Each week we save approximately 5000kg of waste wool and 2000kg of PET plastic bottles from landfill.
- Construction site offcuts of our insulation are returned for recycling into our acoustic insulation. And so the circle continues—with less waste.
- Where possible, we deliver products free of plastic packaging or recycle our packaging.
- We continually pursue more efficient energy use in our manufacturing plants and processes.
- Terra Lana is committed to producing VOC-free products and is Declare. Red List Free certified.
Our Team
Dedicated wool evangelists, our talented team are committed to supporting our clients, team and partners to achieve the best results with Terra Lana.
In addition to our management team, Terra Lana is lucky enough to have a committed and passionate team operating our manufacturing line. We celebrate their work, values and them as individuals.
BRAD STUART | Bio
As Specification Manager at Terra Lana, Brad provides technical and design support to specifiers, builders and installers. He visits design offices and construction sites and is relied upon for in-depth product specification knowledge and installation know-how. Brad provides H1 compliance advice, compiling recommendations and reports for building consent.
To ensure NZ wool products become mainstream in the construction sector, he engages with partner organisations and government agencies to grow reach and awareness. Brad’s role encompasses product innovation and, working with Banks Peninsula Farm Wool Growers, he’s helped launch new products to bring more sustainable solutions to residential and commercial projects.
“My vision is to see the industry look beyond simply the R-value of insulation to the whole-of-life, waste reduction and industry benefits wool products have to offer. I would love to see the demand for strong wool grow to increase the value of the raw material for farmers to create a more circular and sustainable economy.”
Caleb Geddes | Bio
As Terra Lana’s Sales Manager, Caleb works with homeowners, builders, installers and merchants, providing technical and H1 insulation advice, devising custom solutions and sharing product knowledge to achieve top-notch installs. He educates the industry on the use of strong wool in construction, hosting factory tours and presentations for building companies.
Caleb thrives on delivering the best service, products and solutions for the market. He works to break down industry barriers when introducing new products, so that the industry sees the wider impact on the economy and health of the on-site teams in using a locally grown and natural product.
“I love working in a business that will leave a lasting impact on the health and well-being of people and the planet. Part of this is a desire to see strong wool re-established as a profitable fibre for farmers, a natural wonder fibre that cannot be recreated by science.”
Brett Day | Bio
Brett is our landscaping expert, representing DagMat – Terra Lana’s range of landscape textiles. He engages with customers to understand market needs and ensure the DagMat range is fit for purpose and continually develops in new and innovative ways. He visits sites and assesses requirements, speaking with industry stakeholders to match wool solutions with the needs of the landscaping industry.
Brett supports customers with product information, advice and timely delivery. He’s passionate about growing this category and finding new applications for a previous waste by-product, offering more sustainable solutions for civil and regenerative planting projects.
“My vision is to see these products come to the forefront of the industry – a product that improves the world – made right here in Canterbury. It’s not hard to be passionate about the story of locally grown and manufactured wool products. It’s work that has integrity and we’re building a strong culture around it by raising awareness across the industry.”
James Gallagher | Bio
James joined Terra Lana in 2011, armed with a physics degree from Canterbury University and eight years manufacturing experience in the UK. He’s a huge advocate for New Zealand-made products, strengthening local supply chains, and raw material provenance.
James is in charge of the overall management of the Terra Lana business, creating a positive and diverse workplace culture, and driving new product development and process improvement. His mission is to develop innovative products that generate greater value for wool growers while meeting the increasing environmental demands of consumers and regulators.
“It’s important we understand building physics before we design new products and solutions, as the moisture and energy equation inside buildings can vary greatly from one project to the next. We help builders and specifiers manage moisture risk and meet today’s higher thermal performance requirements to create higher performing, low-energy buildings.”
WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE WOOL INSULATION
Healthier for people, better for the planet
Terra Lana products provide superior insulation performance and sustainability for residential and commercial buildings. A sophisticated, high-performing fibre, wool brings unique benefits to building owners, installers and specifiers.
IN-SERVICE PERFORMANCE
Terra Lana wool insulation is hygroscopic, enabling it to absorb and release water vapour. This natural phenomenon, unique to wool, distinguishes it from synthetic insulation. Insulation R-values are typically tested in dry laboratory environments and don’t model the moisture present in real-world conditions. The unique properties of wool insulation mean it excels in managing moisture while maintaining its thermal performance. This crucial benefit helps reduce the risk of moisture buildup within the structure of buildings.
LOCALLY GROWN, LOCALLY MADE
We source our wool from Banks Peninsula Farms, a collective of family-owned farms located less than an hour’s drive from our Christchurch factory. This proximity offers multiple benefits: reduced transportation emissions, enhanced fibre quality control and traceability, and a positive economic impact on the local farming community. By partnering with nearby suppliers, Terra Lana ensures sustainable sourcing practices while supporting regional agriculture.
PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP
Terra Lana considers environmental impacts at each stage of the product life cycle. By offering custom manufacturing, we help architects design out construction waste and reduce on-site installation times. Any site offcuts can be recycled back into our production line to make new insulation. This makes Terra Lana insulation an excellent choice for Green Star and Homestar-rated projects, where product circularity, energy efficiency and waste reduction are key.
HEALTHY & SAFE
Terra Lana insulation can be handled without protective clothing and will not cause skin or respiratory irritation. Our products have a Declare label and are Red List Free, providing assurance that Terra Lana is a healthier option for builders, installers and the occupants of the building.
QUALITY & DURABILITY GUARANTEED
Our wool insulation comes with a 50-year warranty to meet the durability requirements of the New Zealand Building Code. The combination of New Zealand wool and thermal bonding technology creates a robust, structurally stable product that will not slump nor lose its loft over the lifetime of the building.
Sourced locally,
made right here in NZ
We source all our wool from Banks Peninsula Farms, a farming collective located less than an hour’s drive from our Christchurch factory. By working with local growers, we have minimised our transportation footprint and developed a solid local supply chain, enhancing product innovation and quality. Banks Peninsula Farms exemplify sustainable practices and ethical animal treatment, providing confidence in the transparency and traceability of our wool’s ethical and local source.
By choosing Terra Lana wool products, the New Zealand construction industry actively supports local farming communities, local manufacturing, and waste reduction initiatives. This decision aligns with sustainable design principles and promotes preserving New Zealand’s rich wool heritage by building demand for locally grown strong wool.
circular Lifecycle
Up to 50% of NZ’s landfill waste is from the construction & demolition industry. That costs our country and needs to change.
Terra Lana operates a zero-waste policy using a circular, closed-loop manufacturing model. That means our products are made from natural, sustainably sourced wool while any other materials are predominantly recycled. Our manufacturing processes and recycling program work for the most sustainable outcomes.
At end-of-life (the life of the building) Terra Lana can be reused or recycled into more insulation.
Hover over the diagram to see how.
Recycled Sources
All our in-house production waste is fed back through our system.
Local Farms
Mostly PET Bottles
Efficient Processes
Our electric manufacturing plant then turns it into insulation.
End and side waste is fed back through, while customised manufacturing reduces transport and site waste.
Shipping and Installation
Our installation team offers maximised efficiency in installation and performance quality, while returning waste to our factory.
Certifications
Declare. Red List Free
Certified
Declare. is a transparency platform and product database allowing consumers to find healthy building materials. Declare labels state product origin, materials, and end-of-life sustainability rating.
Terra Lana wool insulation is Declare. Red List Free Certified! Meaning it contains no red-listed toxic or harmful materials.
By selecting Declare Certified materials for your home, you can achieve a Homestar rating. ANZ offers exclusive benefits for 6 Home star rated homes. Visit nzgbc.org.nz and anz.co.nz to learn more.
BRANZ Appraised
Terra Lana Wool Insulation Appraisals
Terra Lana Wool Insulation has been appraised as a thermal insulation material for framed or part-framed walls, ceilings and roofs of domestic and commercial buildings.
Appraisal No. 682 (2022) Amended 21 March 2023
Sales & Specifications
Contact our team to find out which Terra Lana product is right for your project.
