Is Merino Wool Ethical?

05 October 2024

 

You may be making the move away from fast fashion to sustainable separates, in which case you’ll want to know the answer to a key question: ‘is merino wool ethical’? Any product may come with certain ethical considerations, whether it’s fair treatment of workers, ethical labour practices, a reduction in plastic usage, environmental impact, sustainability, or whether animals are harmed in any point of the process. This is entirely dependent on the company you buy from, their supply chain transparency, and their standards of animal welfare. Wool production, depending on where you choose to buy it from, may vary in quality and ethical merino wool principles, so it’s important to choose your supplier carefully.


If you’re concerned about ethical merino wool standards, it’s important to choose a clothing brand which supports and upholds rigorous standards for workers, suppliers, growers and the merino sheep themselves - such as icebreaker. In this article we’ll look at possible merino wool ethical concerns, and explain how icebreaker always strives for ethical merino wool production, to provide premium quality clothing which respects its people and the wonderful merino sheep who supply the natural fibres.

Understanding merino wool

Merino wool is a wonder of nature. The fleece of the merino sheep, who thrive in New Zealand’s rugged landscape though scorching summers and freezing winters, offers natural breathability, moisture management and thermoregulation. Ideal for wearing in summer or winter, its softness, durability and natural odour resistance are some of the many merino wool benefits. Merino wool is a premium quality natural product, which is renewable and considered more sustainable than synthetic fabrics, and it’s versatile enough to weave into comfortable base layers through to high performance outer layers and stylish knit wear.

Ethical concerns in merino wool production

At icebreaker, animal welfare is an issue which we care deeply about. We're incredibly proud that icebreaker was one of the first companies in the world to establish long-term contracts with merino wool growers based on mutual concern for animal welfare. We know exactly where our fibre comes from and ensure that growers uphold the strongest environmental and animal welfare practices. Today, our strict animal welfare programme stipulates our station partners must follow the ‘Five Freedoms’ of the flock to champion animal welfare. We ensure the use of the highest-quality merino wool by fostering close relationships with our growers and upholding rigorous care standards for each flock. You can check out our full animal welfare policy in our latest Transparency Report.


icebreaker is also dedicated to ethical labour policies, developing a business based on close, long term relationships with people at every stage of our supply chain process. We know exactly where our garments are being made, and we do not use agents or outsourcing. We take responsibility for the whole ecosystem and build trusted relationships in a fair, safe, non-discriminatory and empowering workplace.


women feed merino wool sheep

icebreaker's ethical practices

At icebreaker, we’re committed to transparency and the fair treatment of all workers, at all stages of the supply chain. Our merino wool is produced in partnership with growers, who uphold our strict animal welfare standards, and we know exactly where our product comes from. At icebreaker, we’re committed to:


  • Journeying towards plastic-free:

    In 2018 we started our plastic-free journey, at the time 84% of our fibres were natural or plant-based. In 2020 we set a commitment to be “plastic-free by 23”. While we acknowledge that we haven’t reached the coveted 100%, we take immense pride in the remarkable strides we’ve made to 96.14% in 2024.

  • Using more natural materials:

    We continue to help pave the way towards a petrochemical-free future, having already substituted 14% of the remaining synthetic content in our styles with bio-based alternatives.

  • Responsible sourcing standards:

    Tracing 100% of our merino wool to its source exemplifies our commitment to responsible sourcing. We only work with growers with RWS-certified (Responsible Wool Standard) farms, many of whom are also part of the ZQRX program, reflecting our dedication to the betterment of the planet.

  • Long-term partnerships:

    We’ve built strong relationships by securing 10-year supply contracts with our growers, whom we know by name. This helps us to ensure sustainable farming practices and provide long-term support and commitment to generational farms.

  • Regenerative agriculture:

    Regenerative is the future, and our future. We’re focused on regenerative farming principles and renewable resources to help lighten our environmental footprint. We’re dedicated to achieving 100% regenerative wool by 2028, which supports biodiversity and soil health. It’s fundamental to us that we take less, and give back more.

  • Transparency and traceability:

    Sourcing fibres responsibly is a given, not an exception. We are committed to full transparency through all aspects of the supply chain, and can trace the origin of 100% of our merino wool so that customers can count on an ethical process from “sheep to shirt.”

When considering the question of ‘is merino wool ethical?’, it’s vital to choose a brand who displays high standards of care, welfare and respect in order to make their merino wool ethical - so you can enjoy the benefits of this amazing natural fibre without compromising on any principles.


a seed grows in a mans hand

Is merino wool sustainable?

You may be wondering: ‘is merino wool sustainable’? Merino wool is considered a renewable source, as sheep can be sheared every year before regrowing their fleece. And unlike most synthetic fabrics, merino is a biodegradable natural fibre which breaks down in the soil, so it can be composted when it’s no longer needed. At icebreaker, we use 96.14% plastic-free fibres in our clothing, with 14% of remaining synthetics substituted with bio-based alternatives. Removing unnecessary plastic from our performance apparel is a testament to our nature-led innovations, deepening ties with our growers, and evolving with unfiltered transparency towards a plastic free future.

Animal welfare

At icebreaker, we know that happy, healthy and well looked-after sheep produce top quality fibres to craft our high-performance products. We’re committed to animal welfare, and we work closely with all our growers to ensure rigorous care standards are upheld through our ‘five freedoms of our flock’:


  • Freedom from hunger or thirst:

    Sheep must have access to fresh water and nutrition at all times.

  • Where sheep can be sheep:

    Sheep are free to roam, play, graze and behave naturally.

  • A place to call home:

    Sheep always have access to shade and shelter.

  • Out of harm's way:

    The flock is monitored and any health conditions are addressed promptly.

  • Freedom from unnecessary pain or distress:

    Animals are respected and kept safe, with no mulesing. We guarantee that all icebreaker merino is mulesing-free.

Consumer considerations

In order to choose a merino wool manufacturer who is ethical in their approach, it’s recommended to select a brand who is dedicated to supporting high standards of animal welfare, as well as one who treats people in all aspects of the supply chain fairly and justly. Ideally, a brand who invests in plastic-free technology and regenerative farming will also help to reduce the impact on the environment.


Brand transparency is key: buying from a company who clearly sets out their accomplishments in the field of sustainability, as well as what they haven’t yet achieved, can help to build consumer trust. We boldly acknowledge our 2023 100% plastic-free goal was not achieved; we proudly celebrate our failure of only reaching 96.14% plastic-free. By buying high quality clothing made from renewable, natural merino fibres you’re already making the move away from fast fashion and reducing your use of non-biodegradable synthetic fabrics which can harm the environment and our future.

Conclusion

Merino wool, like any product, can vary in quality as well as how ethically it’s sourced, which is entirely dependent on how it’s produced. When finding a trusted brand who is committed to ethical principles, it’s important to ask - what are their minimum standards of animal welfare and their treatment of workers, are they fully transparent in all aspects of the supply chain, and is merino wool sustainable through the use of regenerative farming techniques? icebreaker is committed to ethical practices at all stages of producing our high-quality merino wool clothing , so you can be rest assured that we always strive to exceed certain ethical standards. Using natural merino wool for exceptional apparel doesn’t have to cost the Earth; by seeking out ethical practice and transparency it’s possible to make informed, sustainable choices when it comes to clothing.

Is Merino Wool Ethical - FAQs

How is Merino wool harvested?

Merino wool comes from the hardy merino sheep breed, native to New Zealand. Their fleece is sheared every year to give us the soft, resilient natural fibres, ready for washing and spinning before weaving ready to make clothing. Sheep shearing is painless, like us having a haircut, and is essential for a sheep’s wellbeing.

How ethical is merino wool?

Wearing ethical merino wool is entirely dependent on how it’s sourced, and the principles of the brand. From how they work with farmers to enforcing animal welfare standards, and how they oversee all aspects of the supply chain, merino wool can vary in quality and ethical standards. It’s important to choose a brand who is dedicated to ethical merino wool sourcing and production, from beginning to end, such as icebreaker.

Is merino wool harmful to sheep?

Not all growers are committed to looking after their sheep with the highest of animal welfare standards, but the icebreaker way is different. As well as letting sheep be free to roam and explore, and have access to high quality food and water, healthcare, shelter and safety from stress, our growers are against mulesing which can harm sheep unnecessarily.


 

 

 

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