Nike has committed to using certified wool sourced with Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), which means that the brand will now source only certified non-mulesed wool. Animal welfare organization Four Paws International said in a statement that Nike “changed its CSR policy by committing to the certified Responsible Wool Standard in its product range,” calling it a “ground-breaking moment.” Four Paws has been advocating against mulesing for years, specifically with the launch of a campaign targeting Nike in 2022. Adidas and Puma have already committed to certified wool in the past.
Developed by Textile Exchange, the Responsible Wool Standard is a voluntary global standard that aims to improve the welfare of sheep and the land they graze on. Mulesing involves cutting off chunks of skin from lambs without necessary pain relief, causing intense pain to the animal that can last for days and despite the availability of pain-free alternative methods, according to Four Paws. This method is only practiced in Australia, but the country is also the world’s biggest supplier of Merino wool, widely used in sports apparel for its breathability and odorless qualities.
Image: Four Paws International
