The White Company UK

The Responsible Wool Standard®

We are certified to the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), certified by Control Union (CB-CUC- 893638). The RWS verifies wool animal welfare and land management requirements and tracks it from farm to final product. Only the products which carry the RWS label and claim are certified.

What it stands for

Animal welfare

The ‘Five Freedoms’ of animal welfare is an internationally recognised framework that is incorporated into the standard, to verify that certified farms are taking a progressive approach. 

Land health

Using advanced methods of land management, certified farms use practices that that care for soil, biodiversity and native species.

Social responsibility

Ensuring fair working conditions and safe environments for all workers associated with certified farms.

Credible verifications

A professional, third-party certification body audits each stage of the supply chain, from farm to final product.

Chain of custody

Our certified wool can be traced and tracked every step of the way, helping to maintain the identity of certified wool through to the final product.

Global collaboration

Farmers, scientists, brands and advocates all helped shape this standard, because change only works when everyone’s on board.

Where it starts

Wool is a natural fibre produced by more than 100 sheep breeds all over the world. Our certified wool comes from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, The Falkland Islands and Uruguay. Harvested annually, wool producers around the world skilfully remove the sheep’s fleece, removing the shorter parts and any debris before its sold and processed into yarn. We choose Merino wool for our pieces, which is championed for its high-quality and fine fibre.

Care comes first

Exceptional softness, natural warmth, supporting the livelihoods of farming communities – there are many reasons we champion the use of wool. But we know it is our responsibility to address the impacts associated with animal-derived fibres, from animal welfare and land use to overgrazing and biodiversity loss.

We’re committed to ensuring the fibres we use don’t come at a cost to animals, the land or the communities who grow them. Which is why in 2023, we became certified, joining a global movement to do wool better – from farm to final stitch. 2025 also saw a milestone in our journey towards higher welfare standards with the publication of our Animal Welfare Policy, developed with the animal welfare organisation, FOUR PAWS, and commitment to only use mulesing-free wool.