cashmere standard Tag

We are delighted to announce that we are now RWS (Responsible Wool Standard) certified for our fibre processing. This means that any wool we process, if already certified by RWS, can now be further processed at our facility in the UK. End users can be confident that their fibre has been sourced from responsible and sustainable farms.

At Seal International, we pride ourselves on our commitment to animal welfare and sustainable supply chains. A core part of our business is commission processing, where we process natural fibres on behalf of other companies.

The RWS (Responsible Wool Standard) certifies wool from sheep to shop, ensuring it is grown, sheared, and manufactured using sustainable farming methods with a focus on animal husbandry. This guarantees that the animals are well cared for. Every stage of the wool’s journey is documented with transaction certificates, providing a robust chain of custody. Additionally, every RWS-certified company undergoes an annual audit.

The aim of RWS is to recognise the best practices of farmers and breeders, ensuring that wool comes from farms with sustainable land management practices, strong social responsibilities, and animals that are treated with the care and respect they deserve.

Ongoing updates to the standard will ensure continuous improvements that benefit the land, animals, and local employees. There is a passionate drive from the Textile Exchange to demonstrate that animal welfare is of the utmost importance.

RWS goes hand in hand with our other sustainability certifications, RMS (Responsible Mohair Standard) and RAS (Responsible Alpaca Standard), all of which fall under the RAF banner. Future blogs will provide more information on these certifications. This means we can offer a truly diverse range of the finest sustainable animal fibres.

For more information, get in touch with the team: [email protected]

We ended June by landing in the captivating city of Florence, Italy, to attend Pitti Immagine Filati. This year’s theme, Lemon, brought a burst of refreshing positivity, infusing the event with a vibrant energy that was palpable throughout!

Despite the scheduling change due to the start of the Tour de France in Florence, the show was well-attended over the three days. It had a strong, positive atmosphere and saw a significant increase in overseas buyers.

The show was bursting with vibrancy and captivating designs, showcasing strong trends, diverse colour palettes, tactile qualities, and innovative styles. In line with this year’s lemon theme, it was clear that colour and energy had been infused into the yarn and knitwear collections.

For most of the show, the stands were bustling with interest, which is encouraging in the current global economic climate. The fancy yarn manufacturers were the busiest, with their stands consistently crowded with appointments. Everyone anticipated substantial orders to follow.

Regarding the fibres, Alpaca, Wool, and Mohair were prominently featured, signalling a promising market outlook for us over the next 18 months. We anticipate these strong representations will bolster our position and opportunities in the industry.

It was a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with existing customers and foster new relationships.

All in all, it was a great visit, and we are looking forward to the next Pitti Immagine Filati!

The SFA Cashmere Standard lays out the definition of responsible cashmere production, by upholding five global principles.

The SFA standard has a 5 domains model of animal welfare.

1. Nutrition
2. Physical environment
3. Health
4. Behavioural Interactions
5. Mental State

The SFA standard uses these methods to ensure the herds are healthy and prosperous, combining the traditional knowledge of the herders with internationally recognised best animal welfare practices. It is imperative that the goats have a positive mental state and experience minimal suffering and discomfort. These factors are also vitally important to the herders, as they ensure the animals thrive and protect their livelihoods for generations.

Safeguard biodiversity and use land responsibly 

The SFA standard assists the herders and their communities in reducing the negative impact on pasture lands. The rangeland management plan focuses on protecting natural resources, managing grazing to prevent pasture degradation, maintaining soil health for regrowth, and minimising conflict with other wildlife. It also emphasises enhancing biodiversity, managing water resources, and minimising the use of hazardous materials.

Promote decent work 

Developed by the UN agency on work and employment, the International Labour Organisation developed a framework for ‘decent work’. This provides equal opportunities for women and men to work in conditions of freedom, equity, security, and dignity. While also preventing child labour, wage parity, protect the indigenous communities, and ensures all practices are carried out with health and safety in mind.

Preserve and enhance fibre quality 

Quality improvement is essential to growing and sustaining Cashmere Fibre production, if the herders can improve the quality of the fibre, they can fetch a premium for the fibre and the money goes back into the local community.

Operate an effective management system 

To achieve all of the above, a robust and effective management system is implemented and adhered to. It is co-ordinated by the head of the herder association. Not only does it safeguard the credibility of SFA’s group assurance model, it ensures the herders fulfil all the requirements of the SFA Cashmere Standard.

To find out more, email [email protected]