What is the Responsible Wool Standard?

What is the Responsible Wool Standard?

By Alex Guerrero

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 Rathlin, Tryfan and Brenin and Idwal all use 100% Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified lambswool.

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.

two climbers wearing wool jumpers
two climbers wearing wool jumpers

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


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.

Merino Wool Clothing

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Kepler Short Sleeve [Mens] alpkit men's kepler short sleeve

Kepler Short Sleeve [Mens]

Pure ultrafine merino wool base layer, 160gsm
£39.99 £49.99
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Kepler Long Sleeve [Mens]

Premium 160 gsm ultrafine merino long sleeve base layer
£50.99 £59.99
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Women's Brenin in Crocus Brenin [Womens]

Brenin [Womens]

100% merino lambswool jumper, a sheep-powered natural midlayer
£71.99 £84.99
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Kepler Long John [Mens] A man waking up in his sleeping bag, rubbing his eyes in a merino wool top and a head torch on his head - action

Kepler Long John [Mens]

Merino leggings for cold weather layering
£51.99 £64.99
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Kepler Long Sleeve [Womens]

Breathable and comfortable long-sleeved premium base layer
£50.99 £59.99
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Kepler Short Sleeve [Womens]

Pure ultrafine non-mulesed merino wool base layer
£39.99 £49.99
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alpkit womens kepler merino vest baselayer in cosmos purple Kepler Vest [Womens]

Kepler Vest [Womens]

Ultrafine merino wool baselayer vest for running, riding, climbing or hiking
£35.99 £44.99
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Kepler Padded Boxer [Mens]

Breathable and odour-resistant Merino undershorts
£37.99 £44.99
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Aztec Long Sleeve [Mens] / XX-Large / Monday Aztec Long Sleeve [Mens] / XX-Large / Monday

Aztec Long Sleeve [Mens] / XX-Large / Monday

Ultra-lightweight, corespun merino long sleeve base layer
£44.99 £52.99
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Kepler Leggings [Womens]

Merino leggings for cold weather layering
£51.99 £64.99
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Milford [Mens]

Luxuriously soft and warm 260gsm merino wool midlayer
£63.99 £79.99
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Aztec Short Sleeve [Mens] Aztec Short Sleeve [Mens]

Aztec Short Sleeve [Mens]

Ultra-lightweight, short sleeve corespun merino base layer
£37.99 £44.99

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