RWS – Responsible Wool Standard
The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) provides an opportunity for farmers to demonstrate their best practices to the public, and a means for brands and consumers to have the certainty that the wool products they buy and sell are in line with their values. Control Union provides expert RWS certification, guiding organisations through the process with extensive global experience.
What is RWS?
The RWS offers a straightforward solution for brands to make confident claims about their wool sourcing, providing consumers with certainty that their products align with their values. For farmers, it is an opportunity to have their best practices confirmed at the farm level, covering both animal welfare and land stewardship. As a member of the technical group involved in the standard’s development, Control Union has performed RWS audits globally and is positioned to support organisations in achieving certification.
Why choose Control Union as your certification partner
Bringing trust and values to the supply chain
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Global and local customer-focused employees with broad knowledge and years of (practical) experience. We guide you through the changing world of certifications.
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We conduct audits and certifications with a human touch. We enjoy contributing ideas on how to take your company to the next level and communicate clearly about the certification process.
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Control Union understands the importance of acting quickly, which is why our auditors will visit you for the audit as soon as possible after your request, always in consultation with you, of course.
Modules
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Farm
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Chain of Custody (COC)
Benefits of being RWS certified
Progressive animal welfare
The standard ensures sheep are treated with respect, addressing their health, well-being, and living conditions.
Responsible land management
Promotes practices that protect soil health, biodiversity, and native species on the land where sheep graze.
Confident supply chain claims
Provides brands a robust tool to make credible and transparent claims about their responsible wool sourcing.
Demonstrate best practices
Allows farmers to have their commitment to responsible land and animal management independently confirmed.
Global industry standard
Developed through a transparent process to create a trusted benchmark for the global wool industry.
The Future of Textiles is Circular
Essential information for every professional in the textile chain. Read all about the new regulations, targets, and market opportunities for 2025-2030.
Download the ‘Policy Programme for circular textile 2025-2030′
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Global coverage, local knowledge
Control Union provides peace of mind in supply chains worldwide. Thanks to our up-to-date knowledge and experience, we cover all aspects of the supply and value chain in various industries. We think along, communicate clearly and offer concrete solutions. As a ‘one-stop shop’ for international and local certificates, we make certification more efficient. Want to know more about our independent, accredited audits and certifications? Whether you are certifying for the first time or have been around for years, we help!
Years of experience
Offices and labs worldwide in 80 countries
Proud colleagues
OCS 100 – Organic Content Standard
The Organic Content Standard (OCS) 100 is a global standard for non-food products, such as organic apparel, containing 95-100% organic material. It provides a robust chain of custody system from source to final product, enabling credible claims. Control Union is the leading certification body for OCS, offering independent assessment to businesses across the supply chain, ensuring the integrity of their organic content claims.
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OCS Blended – Organic Content Standard
The Organic Content Standard (OCS) is a global standard for non-food products, including those made from organic cotton. It provides transparent confirmation of content by tracking materials from source to final product. For businesses in the supply chain, it substantiates sustainability claims. Control Union provides certification to this standard, guiding organisations through the process.
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GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard
Introduced in 2006, GOTS is the definitive global standard for textiles made from at least 70% certified organic natural fibres. It covers the entire production chain—processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading, and distribution—with stringent environmental and social criteria. You gain a trusted partner with global reach and extensive expertise by choosing Control Union for your GOTS certification. Our third-party verification motivates your quality claims independently, helps manage traceability and contamination risks, and positions you as a front-runner for possible investors, rating agencies, and stakeholders. With our network in more than 80 countries, we deliver efficient, cost-effective certification while maintaining rigorous professional standards.
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Request certification or discuss without obligation?
We are here to assist anytime! You can apply for this certification directly using the application form below. For any other questions or if you want to freely discuss, contact us at +31 (0)38 42 60 103 or textilenl@controlunion.com.
Independent tailor-made services
What makes you unique, we make demonstrable
Does your organisation have specific certification or audit requirements that are not covered by the certification programmes? For example developing a new standard? Control Union also provides independent customised services.
