“We produce beautiful clothing with exceptional craftspeople, but at the end of the day, when time is up, our pieces won’t leave a trace on the earth.”

The Azure Road Take

When you visit Untouched World’s website, one of the first things you might notice is a photo of Barack Obama. Seated at the Resolute Desk, he smiles as he makes his Thanksgiving Day calls, a navy half-zip breathing open off his collarbones.

For years, I wouldn’t have considered wearing a half-zip. It evoked images of après-ski dads or Kendall Roy on the weekend. Yet, the Estuary sweater ($292) quickly became my go-to travel piece—smart and versatile, perfect for sleeping on a red-eye and hitting the ground running upon arrival. That instinctual preference comes down to Untouched World’s commitment to quality, both in textiles and supply chains.

Sustainability Chops

Circularity is central to Untouched World. The team carefully considers a fiber’s entire life cycle, even offering customers repair services. This focus on durability fosters a model built on loyalty and longevity rather than overconsumption. People often gift Untouched World sweaters to mark milestones, such as a loved one’s retirement. President Obama’s Estuary jumper was a personal gift from New Zealand’s prime minister.

“Everything has to be biodegradable or compostable at the end of its life,” said Fiona Bretherton, Untouched World’s development manager. “Every step along the way, we look at our supply chain—who’s making the yarn, who’s making the fabric, how do they treat their staff, how do they work with chemical management?”

Production is hyperlocal. The yarn is spun in Wellington and then knit at a plant on the South Island. The company’s energy provider, Meridian, sources power from hydroelectricity, solar, and wind. Last year, they ramped up waste management efforts, assessing and improving their textile and landfill waste. With innovations like “rubbish socks,” 99% of the company’s textiles are redirected from landfills into circular initiatives.

Untouched World also integrates environmental problem-solving into its materials. One example is its use of brushtail possum fibers, repurposing a byproduct of government-led conservation efforts. Introduced from Australia in the 1800s, possums have devastated New Zealand’s native ecosystems, particularly its flightless bird populations. By incorporating possum fibers into its knitwear, the company helps mitigate ecological damage while making use of an otherwise discarded resource.

The Look

The Estuary sweater is made from Ecopossum, a signature merino wool blend, and comes in hues like latte, zephyr, thyme, and jet. Untouched World sources 50% of its merino from ZQRX-certified Glenthorne Station, a farm located an hour and a half south of their Christchurch headquarters. Another 10% of the sweater’s composition comes from mulberry silk, while the remaining 40% is derived from an unexpected source—possum fiber.

The brushtail possum arrived in New Zealand from Australia in the 1800s. With no natural predators, its population exploded.

“The possum has caused devastation for New Zealand’s natural flora and fauna,” said Bretherton. “A lot of New Zealand’s birds are flightless, so the possum can go for gold, knocking those ones off. A lot of species have become endangered because of the possum.”

As the government works to eradicate the brushtail possum to protect native wildlife, Untouched World repurposes the byproduct for knitwear. This ecological challenge transforms into an opportunity for textile innovation. Possum fibers are hollow, offering an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. Unlike wool and cashmere, which have scales that contribute to pilling, possum fibers lack them, increasing durability.

Origin Story

Peri Drysdale, Untouched World’s CEO, built the brand from humble beginnings. Raised on a sheep farm in Rakaia Gorge, she understood New Zealand wool and started a knitwear cottage industry in 1981. Over time, it evolved into the brand known today. Headquartered in Christchurch, Untouched World was the first fashion company recognized by the United Nations for its commitment to environmental responsibility. Now a certified B Corporation, it remains dedicated to producing the most eco-conscious textiles and knitwear possible.

While the Estuary sweater makes for an elegant travel staple, Untouched World’s identity is deeply tied to New Zealand’s culture and heritage.

“Our logo, which is the Maori kite, really talks strongly to our values at Untouched World and what we do,” said Bretherton. “The Maori kite, known as manu aute, was traditionally used for recreation, communication, and divination, and it symbolizes an ideal relationship between people and nature.”

Maori kites featured in their storefronts are crafted by traditional Maori artisans, blending natural materials with refined craftsmanship to create striking works of art.

“The whole point is that each piece will one day leave this earth without a trace,” said Bretherton. “That’s how we think about clothing. We produce beautiful pieces with exceptional craftspeople, but at the end of the day, when its time is up, it won’t leave a trace on the earth. That’s a constant reminder of how we live and work with the brand.”