RWS - Responsible Wool Standard

The Responsible Wool Standard is a voluntary standard that addresses the welfare of sheep and the land they graze on.

• Provide the industry with a tool to recognize the best practices of farmers.
  
  
• Ensure that wool comes from farms that have a progressive approach to managing their land, practice holistic respect for animal welfare of the sheep and respect the Five Freedoms of animal welfare.
  
  
• Ensure strong chain of custody for certified materials as they move through the supply chain.

Protecting Animal Welfare

The Five Freedoms of sheep are protected, referencing standards and best practices around the world.

Preserving Land Health

Progressive methods of land management are practiced on RWS farms, protecting soil health, biodiversity and native species.

Protecting Social Welfare

Social welfare, working conditions, and health and safety of workers is addressed.

Chain Of Custody

Certification ensures that 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. 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.

How does the RWS work?

The RWS requires all sites to be certified, beginning with the wool farmers and through to the seller in the final business to business transaction. Usually the last stage to be certified is the garment manufacturer or brand. Retailers (business-to-consumers) are not required to be certified. Farms are certified to the Animal Welfare and Land Management and Social Modules of the RWS.