Instead of using Chlorine to achieve a machine washable level of performance, a new process known as 3E uses activated Hydrogen Peroxide as the oxidising agent to remove the scale structure of the wool fibres which are responsible for wool unique felting shrinkage propensity.

Because no Chlorine or other Halogens are used in the 3E process no Absorbable Organic Halogens (AOX) compounds are formed during the process, so no AOX compounds are discarded in the liquid effluent from the process, and 3E wool contains no AOX residuals making it more environmentally friendly.

In addition to meeting Woolmark standards for machine washability (Test Method 31), the 3E process renders the wool with better anti-bacterial and deodorant properties making it suitable for the manufacture of knitted products designed to be worn next to the skin.