Responsible Merino Wool (RWS) — We Take Responsibility

KOPYTO is a symbol — a trace each of us leaves behind, and one we take full responsibility for by creating an ethical brand.

Did you know that fashion is the No. 1 source of microplastics in the oceans? Clothing globally represents a huge part of waste — and most of it is made from plastics such as polyester or acrylic, derived from petroleum. Every year, 80 billion new garments are produced worldwide, each lasting shorter than before.

That’s why we decided to be the change. We believe fashion can be sustainable and responsible, and that our everyday choices can be ethical ones.

We are the first brand in Poland to hold the RWS (Responsible Wool Standard) certificate. This certification provides the industry with the best available tool for verifying responsible practices — ensuring that wool comes from farms with progressive animal welfare, land management, and social care. It also guarantees a transparent monitoring system that tracks wool all the way from the farm to the final product, giving consumers confidence in the true origin of the materials they choose.

.KOPYTO. and 90% of our merino wool products* are RWS certified. Certified products carry an RWS label along with our certificate number, visible below.

RWS certification means that the entire journey of our merino wool – from the sheep to your product – is independently verified. We know exactly where it comes from and, most importantly, how the animals and the environment are treated.

The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) requires every stage of production, from farms to final B2B sellers, to meet strict criteria for animal welfare, land management, and fair working conditions.

The RWS Certificate — How It Works

The RWS standard ensures responsible wool from sheep to store.

• Animal welfare protection — The Five Freedoms of animal welfare are respected and maintained according to global best practices.
• Land health preservation — RWS farms apply progressive land management methods to protect soil health, biodiversity, and native species.
• Social welfare protection — Fair labor conditions, workers’ health, and safety are integral to certification.
• Chain of custody — The identity of certified RWS wool is maintained through every step of the supply chain. Learn more.
• Credible certification — Independent, third-party auditors verify compliance at each stage of production.
• Confident communication — Only products meeting all RWS requirements may display the RWS logo.
• Stakeholder engagement — The RWS is developed with input from farmers, animal welfare experts, brands, and retailers worldwide.

Transparent Supply Chain — Animal Safety and Environmental Care

The RWS-certified merino wool used in our products comes from modern, responsible farms where merino sheep graze freely across vast open lands. These farms are regularly audited and operate fully in line with RWS standards — ensuring animal welfare, environmental care, and sustainability at every stage.

“The better care we take of the environment, the better products we receive in return.” — Michael T. Field

(photo of sheep from Cogi farm, Australia)

Sustainable and Responsible Wool Yarn Production

Not only farmers are certified — our Italian yarn manufacturer also operates under RWS standards. We know them personally and chose their family-run mill for its shared philosophy and European location. This ensures a short, transparent supply chain: merino wool from Australia → Italy → Poland.

• 75% of energy comes from renewable sources (hydro and solar).
• 30% of water is recovered and reused, reducing total consumption by 31.7% (2012–2021).
• CO₂ emissions reduced by 60% through sustainable production methods.
• Production waste is recycled.
• Yarn dyeing is environmentally safe (many products are Cradle to Cradle certified).
• Only natural, cruelty-free fibers such as wool, cashmere, and silk are used.

(photo of Italian manufacturer of our yarn, Italy)

From “Cradle to Cradle” — Responsibly and Safely

The yarn used in our products is Cradle to Cradle certified — the gold standard of circular textile production and the highest level of environmental and human safety.

The “cradle to cradle” concept is based on five key principles: material safety, resource reuse, renewable energy, carbon management, water stewardship, and social responsibility. It encourages circular thinking from the very first moment a product is designed.

Merino Wool Produced and Dyed Without Chlorine

Another key sustainability factor: our merino wool is chlorine-free. Chlorine, still common in wool processing, is highly harmful to the environment. Our chlorine-free method ensures safety — for you, for the people making it, and for the planet.

Merino Wool’s Carbon Footprint Reduced to a Minimum

All these practices, combined with our philosophy (read more >> here <<) and our short, fully monitored supply chain, make .KOPYTO. — we say it boldly — one of the most sustainable and ethical wool brands on the Polish market (apart from second-hand merino, of course).

We know there’s always more to do, and this is just the beginning. We’re working towards even greater circularity and responsibility in our production — and we’ll share more with you soon.

More RWS info: https://textileexchange.org/responsible-wool-standard/