Textile Exchange has released the first draft of the ‘Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) for Public Stakeholder Review’ by interested parties. This is an important opportunity for the public to give their input into the standard, and ensure that it meets its goals and delivers value to the wool industry.

The intention of RWS (responsiblewool.org) will be a global benchmark for animal welfare and land management practices in sheep farming. The goals of the standard are to provide the industry with the best possible tool to recognize the best practices of farmers around the globe, ensure wool comes from responsibly treated sheep and from farms with a progressive approach to managing their land, drive understanding and adoption of best land management principles and practices and provide a robust chain of custody system from farm to final product to ensure consumer confidence in RWS products.

To develop the Responsible Wool Standard, Textile Exchange started an International Working Group. The standard has been written through an open, multi-stakeholder process, with representation from a broad spectrum of interested parties, including animal welfare groups, farmers, wool suppliers, and brands and supply industry associations, covering both apparel and home categories.