At Future First, we always try to make choices that are kind to the planet — and to Kasper’s comfort, of course. But sometimes, even with the best intentions, we get things wrong. And that’s okay. Sustainability is a journey, not a checklist, and every misstep teaches us something valuable.

Recently, we ordered what we thought was a refill pack of pure Terschellinger wool to restuff Kasper’s beloved toys and cushions. We adore the craftsmanship of Terschellinger.com and love how their natural wool products connect us to Dutch landscapes and traditions.

But when the package arrived…
Kasper sniffed it, tilted his head, and looked at us as if to say:
“Uhm… are you sure this is wool? 👀”

And he was right.

We had received a synthetic Comforta hollowfibre filling — a lovely material for pillows, but definitely not the natural wool we intended to buy.

So what happened?
We discovered that Terschellinger offers four different types of refill fillings, each with its own characteristics — and we didn’t fully understand those differences when we placed our order.

To help you (and future us!) make better choices, here is a clear overview of what these fillings actually are.

🧵 The Four Refill Options — Explained Simply

1. Comforta Fill (Synthetic Hollowfibre)

Price: €7,95
Material: Polyester hollowfiber
Best for: Pillows, crafts, dolls, cushions

This is the filling we unexpectedly received. It’s soft, airy, hypoallergenic, washable at 60°C, and long-lasting. Many commercial pillows use this type of filling.

Sustainability:
✔ Durable and washable
❌ 100% synthetic plastic
❌ Produces microfibers over time
❌ Non-biodegradable

A better choice than the typical cheap toy stuffing, but still far from natural.

2. Spatex Mix

Price: €12,50
Material: A blend of natural latex flakes and fiber
Best for: Firm cushions, ergonomic support

Spatex is known for being elastic, springy, and shape-retaining.

Sustainability:
✔ Contains natural latex
✔ Long-lasting
❌ Still mixed with synthetic elements
❌ Not biodegradable as a whole

Great for comfort — less great for circularity.

3. Java Kapok (Natural Tree Fiber)

Price: €12,50
Material: Pure kapok fiber from the kapok tree
Best for: Natural pillows, meditation cushions, lightweight stuffing

Kapok is a beautiful material: silky, fluffy, and naturally water-resistant and antibacterial.

Sustainability:
✔ 100% plant-based
✔ Completely biodegradable
✔ Low-impact harvesting
❌ Can clump over time if heavily washed

A lovely eco-friendly option.

4. Terschellinger Wol (Pure Wool)

Price: €19,95
Material: 100% Terschellinger sheep wool
Best for: Natural pillows, cushions, and yes — Kasper’s restuffed toys

This is the filling we intended to buy.
Wool is breathable, naturally antibacterial, temperature-regulating, and wonderfully cozy.

Sustainability:
✔ 100% natural and renewable
✔ Biodegradable
✔ Local production (low carbon footprint)
✔ Circular and compostable

For us — and for Kasper — this is the most planet-friendly option.

🐾 So… What Did We Actually Learn?

Even with our eco-hearts in the right place, we slipped into a classic trap:

We assumed all refill packs were wool because we love Terschellinger wool products.

But sustainability isn’t about perfection — it’s about paying attention, asking questions, and being willing to course-correct.

What we did do right:

• We avoided the typical low-quality toy filling made of mystery plastics.

• We chose from a brand we trust.

• We picked a product that’s still allergen-safe and long-lasting.

What we’ll do better next time:

• Choose pure wool for natural, biodegradable refill projects

• Consider kapok for a plant-based alternative

• Keep learning and being transparent about our choices

Because every step toward sustainability, even the imperfect ones, brings us closer to a healthier planet.

💚 What We’ll Use Going Forward

For Kasper’s toys and our Future First recommendations, we will go for:

✔ Pure Terschellinger Wool

A warm, breathable, planet-kind filling — and Kasper-approved.

✔ Kapok

A wonderful vegan alternative that’s soft, natural, and compostable.

We’ll continue testing both materials, sharing our findings, and learning with you — because that’s what our community is all about: growing, discovering, and celebrating every small step together.

🌿 Explore the Terschellinger Wool Products We Love

We’ve selected the products we personally bought, tested, and approved from the Terschellinger Wool webshop — now lovingly featured in our Home & Living collection.