A Responsible Approach to Merino

Wool is a naturally renewable and biodegradable fibre with a long history. As the use of wool becomes mainstream in the outdoor and performance apparel market, there is more and more focus on the methods that are used to grow and process the fibre. In response to the growing demands for transparency in apparel manufacturing, a number of different certification, auditing, and comparison programs have emerged that are relevant to wool production. The presentation will discuss the properties of merino, global wool supply and factors that contribute to responsible wool production, as well as introducing different wool supply programs and independent certifications for wool growers. Certificates as ZQ, OVIS XXI and New Merino will be presented. Hamish will discuss the HIGG index, which rates the sustainability of wool alongside other fibres, and present the different processing possibilities of wool and the parameters that certificates such as GOTS, IVN best and bluesign look for when certifying woolen products.