The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is an industry tool designed to recognize the best practices of farmers, ensuring that wool comes from farms with a progressive approach to managing their land, and from sheep that have been treated responsibly.

The standard is globally applicable to all breeds of sheep and any cruel practice is strictly prohibited.

The key points in the RWS are:

– Protecting Animal Welfare, according to the Five Freedoms

– Preserving the Earth, protecting soil health, biodiversity and native species

– Chain of Custody, the identity of the RWS wool is maintained at all times, from the farm to the final product

– Credible Certification, a professional third party certification body audits each stage in the supply chain

– Confident Communication, only products with 100% certified wool may carry the RWS logo

– Stakeholder Engagement, the RWS was developed with the input of farmers, animal welfare experts, land conservation experts, brands and retailers from all parts of the globe.

There are certified farms in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina, Uruguay and United States, while supply chain certification exists in several other countries.