What does the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certify?
The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is a voluntary international program that certifies the entire wool supply chain, from sheep farming to the final production. Its primary goal is to ensure respect for animal welfare, land health, and fair working conditions. Through strict standards, the RWS recognizes the best practices of farmers, promoting a progressive approach to land management and responsible care of sheep.
Animal Welfare
Animal welfare is one of the core pillars of the RWS, ensured throughout the sheep's life and during shearing. The RWS is based on the Five Freedoms of animals, which include:
Freedom from hunger and thirst
Freedom from discomfort
Freedom to express natural behavior
Freedom from pain, injury, and disease
Freedom from fear and distress
Moreover, mulesing, a painful practice to prevent parasitic infections, is banned in RWS-certified processes, ensuring that no animal suffers unnecessary harm.
Land Health
Soil health and biodiversity protection are other crucial aspects of the RWS. Certified farms adopt land management practices aimed at preserving soil quality, protecting native species, and maintaining the balance of the local ecosystem. These techniques ensure long-term environmental sustainability.
Fair Working Conditions
The RWS not only focuses on animal welfare and environmental protection but also certifies working conditions across production sites. The standards include measures to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of workers, guaranteeing that every individual involved in the wool supply chain works in fair and safe conditions.
Our Commitment
Starting in 2024, all the Merino Wool we use for our knitwear is RWS-certified. This means that every garment is made with full respect for the welfare of the sheep, the health of the land, and the working conditions of the farmers. Our commitment is reflected in the care with which we select materials, offering you pieces that respect animals, nature, and people.
Sources:
Textile Exchange
Farm Animal Welfare Council
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