The Thread
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Sourcing sustainably: The Good Cashmere Standard®
When we know our cashmere has been consciously sourced, it feels even better to wear, which is why we are part of The Good Cashmere Standard® – in fact, we were the very first British brand to join.
A higher standard
Developed in response to the growing need for more transparent and traceable cashmere production, this independent standard assures consumers of the ethical and sustainable origins of their cashmere products. So, when you’re cocooned in the warmth of a cashmere jumper or draped in a soft cashmere scarf, you can take comfort in the knowledge that the luxurious fabric is also kind to the planet and its inhabitants.
Not all yarns are created equal
Cashmere is treasured for its whisper-softness and warmth. Cashmere goats – typically found in Inner Mongolia, China, Iran, Iraq, Turkey and Afghanistan – naturally live in extreme climates and survive thanks to their double fleece. The long, fine undercoat makes for the most premium yarn. Once shorn, the fleece must be separated from the coarser hair and so the resulting yield per goat is very small. In fact, it takes a single goat one year to produce enough cashmere for a scarf.
Care comes first
Animal welfare is at the heart of The Good Cashmere Standard®, which is why it incorporates principals as defined by the Farm Animal Welfare Council. They state no animal be subjected to hunger, thirst, discomfort, pain, injury, or disease, and that animals must also have the freedom to live a life free from fear and distress. The criteria also goes beyond animal welfare to the farmers who make the production of cashmere possible, their communities and the environment.
The standard ensures workers involved in cashmere production are provided with safe working conditions, receive fair wages and are treated with dignity and respect. Certified workers must be trained and competent in rearing their goats with care, as well as protecting the land and wildlife, to preserve biodiversity.
“All animals farmed for their yarn should be cared for. The livelihoods of remote communities depend on this trade, so it’s about educating and working with farmers.”
Barbara Horspool, Clothing Director
Our partners
We’re only as good as the suppliers we work with, and we are fortunate enough to partner with ERDOS Cashmere Group, a key stakeholder for The Good Cashmere Standard®. Founded in 1979, they are based in Inner Mongolia, home to the world’s best cashmere, and are one of the largest producers of this fibre. By managing their own prized cashmere goat farms, they can ensure animal welfare, human rights and the environment are safeguarded.
Learn more about how this standard is transforming the cashmere industry
The Thread
Find stories to inspire you, ideas from people we admire and our expertise for a home well curated, a wardrobe well put together, a life well lived.
