RESPONSIBLE WOOL
For our knitwear, we rely on the following certifications for our yarns; responsible mohair standard(RMS), responsible alpaca standard (RMS) and responsible wool standard (RWS) for sheep wool (for us this is merino wool). These are all industry standards developed by Textile Exhange, a global non-profit that work to make sure materials used are produced in a way that support the planet with its ecosystems and communities.
By responsible wool, we mean wool that is produced in a way that:
ENSURE ANIMAL WELFARE
The standards have requirements regarding nutrition, living environment, animal management, handling and transport.For instance, it is a critical requirement in the RWS that the sheep shall have access to natural pasture at all time, and mulesing is prohibited.
PRESERVE LAND HEALTH
The standards have requirements regarding soil health, biodiversity, use of fertilizers and pesticides.Challenges can be overgrazing and soil erosion, if the carrying capacity of the land is not respected.
ENSURE SOCIAL WELFARE
The standards have requirements regarding human rights, child labour, working conditions and conduct, freedom of association and collection bargaining, wages and benefits and health and safety.
