Textile Exchange has released a new Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS) and has made its first revision to the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) that was created in 2016. The new RMS verifies and identifies mohair produced in farming systems that respect animal welfare and the environment. It creates a strong assurance system by performing regular audits of farms and tracking the material to the final product. The standard is designed to make sure animal welfare is carried out and that the goats that provide the mohair are humanely treated, healthy and well cared for.

The Responsible Mohair Standard was based on, and is closely aligned with, the Responsible Wool Standard and the two standards are combined for the supply chain. Both the RMS and the RWS are structured around the Textile Exchange Animal Welfare Framework, which sets out the principles and expectations that guide and connect Textile Exchange’s animal welfare standards.

The RWS has seen strong adoption across the supply chain, with certified farms in all key wool-producing countries, according to Textile Exchange. The revision covers updates and clarifications to the animal welfare and land management modules, including the introduction of additional requirements and guidance around biodiversity. It also introduces a set of social welfare requirements.