In volume terms, sheep wool is the most common animal fiber used in the fashion and textile industry. It’s natural, breathable, and resilient, and has good insulation and thermo-regulating properties. It reacts to changes in body temperature to keep the wearer warmer when it is cold and cooler when it is warm. Wool is also odor- and wrinkle-resistant, which means that woolen clothing doesn’t need to be washed as often as other fiber types do, saving water and energy.

 

Brands should make commitments to source certified wool from standards that cover both animal welfare and the environment. For animal welfare, look for standards that are based on the Five Domains, a newer foundation for animal welfare requirements than the more commonly known Five Freedoms. The Five Domains provides a framework for positive animal welfare outcomes. For environmental benefit, look for standards that go beyond land management to maintain sheep productivity to those that consider soil health and wider biodiversity.

 

To move the wool industry towards more climate- and animal-friendly practices, brands need to support change at the farm level. First, this involves tracing sources of wool back to farm or farm group level. While regenerative management techniques can mitigate environmental impact, transitioning to regenerative methods takes time and often requires new infrastructure such as fencing and water points. Brands should work towards transparency in order to understand and identify the risks and opportunities at regional supplier levels, as well as look to make long-term commitments with certified farms.