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.
As an independent, voluntary standard, companies can choose to become certified to the RWS. On farms, the certification ensures that sheep are treated with respect to their Five Freedoms1 and also ensures best practices in the management and protection of the land. The standard is globally applicable to all breeds of sheep, and mulesing is strictly prohibited.
Responsible Wool Standard are to provide the industry with a tool 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 creates objectives as below.
Ensure that wool does not come from animals that have been subjected to any unnecessary harm. Reward and influence the wool industry for strong animal welfare and land management practices. Provide robust chain of custody from farm to final product. Create an industry benchmark to drive improvements in animal care and land management where needed.
