What is mulesing?

The global demand for merino wool is constantly increasing. This has led large farms in Australia in particular to use the same operating procedures for sheep farming as those used in factory farming in food production, where animal welfare is often a low priority. Huge flocks of sheep are crammed together in pens in small spaces, which encourages the spread of diseases and parasites. In order to keep the sheep "clean", the animals' tails are sometimes cut off without anesthesia. This painful procedure is known as mulesing.

The reason for this rightly condemned form of husbandry is to maximize profits at the expense of the animals. Australian "cheap merino wool" is primarily sold to the fashion industry, where unfortunately the cheaper price often sets the tone. We would also like to expressly warn against merino underwear from discount stores or from corresponding own-brand shops. Noticeably low prices are often an indication that the wool is mulesing wool from precisely such companies.

Is the Merino underwear and clothing in the Merino Store anti-mulesing certified?

 

Yes, our entire Merino range comes from certified sheep farming that does not involve mulesing.

 

For us, there is no question that we only sell products where animal welfare has been respected. Our suppliers have their compliance with the certification criteria regularly checked by independent auditors. Ortovox and Icebreaker also have shorter inspection intervals and the results are disclosed transparently.

As part of its Wool Promise program, Ortovox examines other criteria such as land management, animal handling and stress-reduced shearing processes in addition to the mulesing ban. Icebreaker has long-term contracts with New Zealand sheep farmers and strict animal welfare requirements, such as open pastures, protection from dangers, constant access to clean water and shade and stress-reducing conditions.

 

How does sheep farming affect wool quality?

The best merino qualities are produced when the animals can graze on open pastures where the wind blows through their fur and they can live in a species-appropriate manner. A large temperature difference between summer and winter is also important for the later fiber properties. It has a positive effect on the wool's ability to regulate the climate.

Our suppliers source their wool primarily from the highlands of New Zealand, Tasmania and the Andes. The quality of the wool from these regions is finer and of higher quality than Australian wool, where the sheep are exposed to high temperatures all year round.

Good wool needs the alternation between warm and cold and good wool needs decent sheep farming with respect for animal welfare!