Responsible Wool Standard
The Responsible Wool Standard is a voluntary global standard that addresses the welfare of sheep and of the land they graze on.
Latest News
July 5 – RWS Update Meeting
Please join us for our next Responsible Wool Standard update meeting on: Thursday, July [...]
4- Part RWS Brand Training Mini-Series
We are excited to invite you to participate in the RWS Brand Training Mini-Series, a [...]
RWS Supply Chain Certification Training in Biella, Italy
Join us in Biella, Italy for an in-person training on RWS Supply Chain Certification. Where: [...]
RWS Australia/New Zealand Wool Grower & Broker Webinar
Registration is now open for our upcoming RWS Australia/New Zealand Wool Grower & Broker Webinar. We encourage [...]
Our Goals
The goals of the 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.
How does the RWS work?
The Responsible Wool Standard is an independent, voluntary standard, which means that companies can choose to become certified. On farms, the certification ensures that sheep are treated with respect to their five freedoms and also ensures best practices in the management and protection of the land. Through production, certification ensures that wool for certified farms is properly identified and tracked.
RWS Key Points
Protecting Animal Welfare
The Five Freedoms of sheep are protected at all times, referencing standards and best practices around the world.
Preserving Land Health
Progressive methods of land management are practiced on RWS farms, protecting soil health, biodiversity and native species.
Supply Chain Traceability
The identity of the RWS wool is maintained at all times: from the farm to the final product.
Credible Certification
A professional, third party certification body audits each stage in the supply chain.
Confident Communication
Only products with 100% certified wool may carry the RWS logo.
Stakeholder Engagement
The RWS was developed with the input of farmers, animal welfare experts, land conservation experts, brands and retailers from all parts of the globe.