RWS is the leading global standard for responsible wool production encompassing high animal welfare, how the land is used whilst encouraging a positive impact on biodiversity.
The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) was developed by Textile Exchange - a global non-profit driving positive impact on climate change across the fashion and textile industry and is one of the most recognised farm auditing schemes that demonstrate positive practice within sheep farming system.
What are the goals of the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)?
- Recognise the best practices of farmers
- Ensure that wool comes from farms with a progressive approach to managing their land, and from sheep that have been treated responsibly
- Create an industry benchmark that will drive improvements in animal care and land management and social welfare where needed
- Provide a robust chain of custody system from farm to final product so that consumers are confident that the wool in the products they choose is truly RWS.
Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) in the UK
H.Dawson is the first and only RWS farm group in the UK and Europe, and through their Woolkeepers® program drives brands and consumers’ confidence in the integrity of the supply chain, bringing British RWS Wool back into global conversations.
The origins of Woolkeepers® started 10 years ago with the simple idea of creating a small community of farmers who grow their wool in an environmentally focused way, while paying them a fair price in return. Today, Woolkeepers® is a collective of 600 farmers (and growing) who are working with holistic practices that are vital to restoring the land and safeguarding their animals, producing the highest quality eco-positive wool that can be traced right back to its beginnings.
“We have always been committed to raising the standards of British wool at the same time as supporting farmers in fairer pricing and ensuring the longer-term sustainability of the land and its animals hence our drive to set up the first Responsible Wool Standard farm network in the UK.”
Examples of Woolkeepers Customers:
What is Intertek SAI Global’s Role?
As an accredited Farm Certification Body, Intertek SAI Global is working in partnership with H Dawson to deliver the Farm Responsible Wool Standard (RWS).
To join the Woolkeepers® Program and learn more please get in touch with H Dawson directly click here
