Australia’s Last Sheepskin Tannery for Certified Medical Sheepskin - Supporting the NDIS Community

In an era of mass-produced imports, we take immense pride in being the last Australian sheepskin tannery still producing rugs certified to the rigorous CSIRO AS4480.1 medical standard. By choosing our locally tanned medical rugs, you are supporting the final frontier of authentic Australian manufacturing while ensuring your loved ones receive a world-class therapeutic product.

UGG Australia has been a Sheepskin specialist for over four decades.

When you think of Ugg Australia®, your first thought is likely our iconic boots. However, for many Australians navigating the NDIS or living with mobility challenges, our medical-grade sheepskin rugs are essential functional tools. These rugs are designed to support daily comfort, maintain skin integrity, and assist in physical well-being for those who spend extended periods sitting or lying down.

The Standards Behind the Support: CSIRO AS4480.1

To provide the level of support required for specialised pressure care, a sheepskin must be processed to meet the CSIRO AS4480.1 standard.

The CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) developed the AS4480.1 standard to ensure medical-grade sheepskins offer specific physical properties. For a rug to meet these Australian specifications, it must adhere to strict requirements regarding:

• Fibre Density: A high-density layer of approximately 4,000 to 6,000 fibres per square centimetre.
• Pile Uniformity: A consistent pile height to ensure even weight distribution across the entire surface of the rug.
• Hygiene & High-Temp Washability: The ability to withstand laundering at temperatures up to 80°C. This is a critical feature for maintaining clinical cleanliness and disinfection without compromising the sheepskin’s structural integrity.

Our Medical Rugs are produced under this licence, ensuring the materials are fit for purpose in both home and high-care environments.

Design Features for Pressure Support and Comfort

For those with limited mobility, choosing materials that assist in pressure management is a priority. The natural architecture of a CSIRO-standard medical sheepskin offers several supportive features:

• Weight Distribution: According to CSIRO testing, the density of these rugs can help reduce pressure by up to 50% compared to standard surfaces. Because each wool fibre acts like a miniature spring, the rug is designed to distribute body weight more evenly, reducing the load on prominent bony areas.
• Shear and Friction Reduction: The independent movement of millions of wool fibres allows the rug to move with the user. This is specifically designed to reduce the friction and shearing forces that can impact skin health during movement.
• Moisture and Temperature Management: Wool is naturally breathable and thermostatic. By wicking moisture away from the skin, the rug helps maintain a dry, stable microclimate - a key factor in supporting overall skin comfort and integrity.

Australia’s Last Sheepskin Tannery: Integrity You Can Trace

Established in 1981, Ugg Australia® is home to Australia's last operational sheepskin tannery with a CSIRO AS4480 licence. In a market where many brands claim "Australian Medical" status while sourcing offshore, we provide total transparency. We are the only company tanning our Medical Sheepskin in Australia today. By managing the process at our local Melbourne tannery, we maintain total oversight of:

• Chemical Safety: Guaranteeing a tanning process that meets strict Australian safety and environmental regulations, free from harsh offshore residues.
  
  
• Standard Compliance: Every rug is tested to ensure it meets the density and washability requirements of the AS4480.1 standard.
  
  
• Full Traceability: We offer a trusted name with a clear history, ensuring participants receive genuine medical-grade support.

Explore the Medical Rug Collection