At William Halstead, we believe traditional manufacturing can coexist with sustainability and traceability. We take pride in using ethical and responsible processes within our business.
It is important to us as a company, to meet the highest animal welfare standards, and constantly innovate to meet the growing demand for sustainable textiles. This is evident in many of our stock supported and seasonal collections, where we have tried to incorporate as many Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) and Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS) certified cloth options as possible.
RWS and RMS is an industry tool designed to recognise the best practices of farmers, ensuring that wool comes from farms with a progressive approach to managing their land and from sheep that have been treated responsibly.
As an independent, voluntary standard, companies can choose to become certified to the RWS. The standard is globally applicable to all breeds of sheep and provides a robust chain of custody system, from farm to final product.
To qualify the wool, we source, must meet the required standards in three key areas:
- Animal Welfare: Sheep are treated humanely, adhering to the “Five Freedoms” outlined by the World Organisation for Animal Health.
- Environmental Sustainability: The land where sheep graze is managed responsibly, protecting soil health and biodiversity.
- Social Responsibility: Fair working conditions are ensured throughout the supply chain.
Managing Director, Matthew Simpson, emphasises the company’s commitment to ethical sourcing. “At William Halstead, we don’t simply source wool – we source a future. By partnering with RWS and RMS certified farms, we ensure the well-being of animals, the health of the environment, and the livelihoods of those who care for them. This translates into luxurious, sustainable textiles you can feel good about wearing.”
By choosing William Halstead, you can be confident you’re acquiring a luxurious product while supporting a company dedicated to ethical and sustainable practices.
To enquire about our RWS/RMS accredited cloth or find out more, please email [email protected]