What is the Responsible Wool Standard?

By Kenny Stocker 28 Sep 2025 · 2 min read

We use 100% Responsible Wool Standard certified lambswool for our cold-weather gear for its superior benefits.

As part of our continuing efforts to be an ethical company, our wool products including Rathlin, Tryfan, Brenin, Idwal, Norge, Stora, and Rago all use 100% Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified lambswool. Our UK-made Pennine and Iona jumpers use 100% British wool from fully traceable sources, supporting local farming and textile communities.

Our Woolosophy

Our Iona and Pennine wool jumpers are designed for real-world versatility and lower environmental impact:

Local Manufacturing:

• Pennine and Iona made in the UK
• British wool from traceable sources
• Reduced transport miles
• Supporting local textile communities
• Minimal processing (undyed yarns)

Ethical Sourcing:

• RWS certification on all wool products
• High animal welfare standards
• Responsible land management
• Transparent supply chains

Built to Last:

• Durable construction for years of use
• Naturally antibacterial (less washing required)
• Repairable and maintainable
• Timeless designs that don’t date

Cross-over Applications:

• Trail-ready technical performance
• Town-friendly styling
• Versatile enough for everyday wear
• Investment pieces that earn their place in your wardrobe

Why Do We Need the Responsible Wool Standard?

Wool is a natural, technical fibre. And it's a sustainable choice thanks to being renewable, biodegradable and recyclable. But being ethical and sustainable is not that simple. As part of our six sustainability principles, we want to respect our environment. But choosing sustainable, natural fibres shouldn't mean that animals experience harm. Animal welfare can be a serious issue in some wool supply chains, where animals can be harmed and treated without respect. This is where the Responsible Wool Standard comes in.

What is the Responsible Wool Standard?

It’s a voluntary program that helps sheep farmers meet consumer, retailer, and brand demands. The standard certifies they meet rigorous animal welfare and land management requirements.

1. Protecting animal welfare – the five freedoms of sheep are protected.
2. Preserving land health – soil health, biodiversity and native species are protected with progressive land management methods
3. Protecting social welfare – health, safety and working conditions of workers are protected
4. Chain of custody – the identity of RWS wool is maintained from farm to final product. This includes the farm, trader, sourcing, yarn, fabric and garment.
5. Credible certification – a third party independently audits each stage in the supply chain
6. Stakeholder engagement – the RWS was developed with the help of farmers, animal welfare experts, land conservation experts, brands and retailers worldwide

Supporting UK Wool Production

Alongside our RWS certified products, we’re proud to introduce Pennine and Iona - made in the UK from 100% British wool.

Why UK-made matters:

By sourcing British wool and manufacturing locally, we:

• Reduce transport emissions significantly compared to imported garments
• Support British sheep farmers who maintain our upland landscapes
• Preserve textile manufacturing skills in the UK
• Ensure traceability from farm to finished garment
• Create local employment in rural communities

Minimal processing, maximum sustainability:

Both Pennine and Iona use undyed yarn in natural wool colours. This means:

• No chemical dyes entering waterways
• Reduced water usage in processing
• Lower energy consumption
• Natural colour variations that celebrate authentic British wool
• The wool’s natural lanolin is preserved, providing water resistance

British wool characteristics:

British sheep breeds produce wool that’s particularly suited to outdoor clothing:

• Naturally crimped for excellent insulation
• Durable fibres that withstand years of hard use
• Adapted to our variable climate over centuries
• Renewable resource managed through traditional farming practices

By choosing UK-made wool jumpers, you’re supporting a complete system: from shepherds managing our moorlands and mountains, to the textile workers bringing these garments to life. It’s outdoor clothing that’s rooted in place, with a story you can trace from field to fell.

Why Do We Need the Responsible Wool Standard?

Wool is a natural, technical fibre. And it’s a sustainable choice thanks to being renewable, biodegradable and recyclable. But being ethical and sustainable is not that simple. As part of our six sustainability principles, we want to respect our environment. But choosing sustainable, natural fibres shouldn’t mean that animals experience harm. Animal welfare can be a serious issue in some wool supply chains, where animals can be harmed and treated without respect. This is where the Responsible Wool Standard comes in.

The Five Freedoms

All of our wool products are certified with the RWS, meaning they protect the five freedoms of sheep. The ‘Five Freedoms’ is an industry-wide term used to ensure animal welfare standards on farms. Animals must be free from:

1. Hunger and thirst
2. Discomfort
3. Fear and distress
4. Pain and injury
5. And free to behave normally.

Our Commitment to Responsible Wool

Whether you choose our UK-made Pennine or Iona jumpers, or our RWS certified Norge, Stora, Rago, Brenin, Tryfan, Rathlin, or Idwal, you can be confident that your wool jumper:

• Comes from sheep that have been treated with respect
• Supports responsible land management
• Contributes to transparent, ethical supply chains
• Will provide decades of natural warmth and comfort

By demanding high standards across our entire wool range, we’re voting with our purchasing power for a more ethical outdoor industry. Every wool jumper we sell supports farmers and manufacturers who are doing things the right way - whether that’s through RWS certification or through local British production.