Textile Exchange, a U.S.-based global nonprofit that works to make the textile industry more sustainable, has released the first draft of the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) for public stakeholder review. Interested parties will have the opportunity to give input into the standard and ensure that it meets its goals and delivers value to the wool industry. The RWS is intended to be a global benchmark for animal welfare and land management practices in sheep farming.

The goals of the standard are to provide the industry with a tool to recognize the best practices of farmers around the globe, to ensure sheep are treated responsibly and land is managed progressively, and to provide a robust chain of custody system from farm to final product. Work on the standard began in 2014 and has involved the input of multiple experts alongside the support and engagement of brands and retailers.