Do you understand how to use the standard "roll wool" and RWS certification?

The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is an international and voluntary standard. In theproduction stage of animal husbandry, RWS focuses on the welfare of sheep and the land they graze on; In the processing chain stage, RWS follows CCS regulatory principles and requirements, and tracks and traces RWS wool until the end product.

Background of RWS generation

In February 2014, H&M contacted the Textile Exchange (TE) to resolve their wool supplyissue and decided to involve the entire industry in developing global standards. An international working group responsible for wool standards was born.

The working group represents a wide range of interested parties, including farmers, animal welfare groups, land protection experts, supply chain members, industry associations, and clothing, family and carpet brands.

According to the International Alliance for Sustainable Standards (ISEAL) Code of Good Practice on Sustainability Standards, ensure that all stakeholders have the opportunity to participate in the process of developing standards.

The working group spent time extensively studying the existing animal welfare and landmanagement standards for sheep farms. Pilot audits were conducted on the draft standards in Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, China, South America, Austria, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

After the audit, two public stakeholder review periods were held in early 2016. The revisions were made based on inputs, and the final standards were announced in June 2016.

Focus

Animal welfare: farm animals based on the five freedoms of animal welfare

RWS certified wool ensures that customers purchase products from ethically treated animals. The standards of animal welfare include the animal welfare requirements that must meet the farm certification. The standard aims to support the five animal welfare freedoms under human control.

These include:

Freedom from hunger and thirst;

Freedom from discomfort;

Freedom from pain, injury, or illness;

Freedom from fear and pain;

Freedom to express normal behavior.

Grassland management: This is an integral part of animal health and welfare, including replanting, monitoring lawn quality, restoring productivity, and managing soil nutrients, all of which are standards that auditors must fully understand.

Complete and transparent supply chain: Third party organizations ensure that wool from the farm to the final product is correctly identified and tracked.

Certification Benefits

Industry standards

Providing the industry with a tool to recognize the best practices of farmers will create an industry benchmark to promote improved animal care and land management.

Market advantages

Farmers gain more sustainable land management and farm management experience byobtaining wool certification from third-party institutions, and gain market advantages.

Transparency and Brand Reputation

Provide a chain supervision system from the farm to the final product, convincing consumers that wool is the true RWS in the product they choose.