Animal welfare – How We Set Standards for Our Suppliers
When it comes to animal welfare, we set strict requirements for ourselves and our partners.
Animal welfare is crucial for achieving a sustainable supply chain. At Dressmann, we strive to improve animal welfare in the industry by setting strict standards for ourselves and our suppliers. Animal welfare requirements are also included in Dressmann’s contracts with suppliers.
– Ethical considerations must always be taken when selecting suppliers of animal fibers. These considerations include aspects such as traceability, health and safety, and animal welfare on farms and in production units. This is reflected through the Five Freedoms, developed by the OIE (World Organization for Animal Health), which serve as guidelines for all of Dressmann’s suppliers, explains Nils Thomas, Senior Quality Assurance Specialist at Varner.
The origin of animal fibers must always be documented for each order. Dressmann does not purchase leather or animal fibers from areas known for systematic mistreatment of animals, or from areas where livestock farming may have a negative impact on the environment, such as contributing to water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, or desertification.
The wool certification scheme
We have a long-term goal of achieving full traceability of the wool used in our products, and we require suppliers to provide documentation of the wool’s origin with an approved certificate of origin.
– Varner and Dressmann have banned the practice of mulesing for all wool. We do not purchase merino wool from Australia unless it is certified to the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) due to the common practice of mulesing in the country, says Nils Thomas.
The Responsible Wool Standard describes and independently certifies animal welfare and land management practices in wool/ production and tracks the certified material from farm to final product.
Did you know that a garment made with RWS-certified wool can be identified by a label featuring the RWS logo?
A standard for feather and down production
Since 2017, all down used in Dressmann products has been certified according to the Responsible Down Standard. The Responsible Down Standard describes and independently certifies animal welfare practices in down and feather production and tracks the certified materials from farm to final product.
– Dressmann strongly opposes the use of down from live-plucked birds or birds that have been force-fed, adds Tom Brandt, Buying Manager at Dressmann.
Use of leather
– All leather used in our products must come from animals slaughtered for food production, and the slaughter process must comply with applicable standards, says Tom.
Tanneries are an essential part of the production process. Dressmann requires traceability on all leather orders and conducts spot checks at tanneries, focusing on health and safety, chemical use, and protective equipment. Dressmann has a ban on leather processed in tanneries from Bangladesh.
Animal welfare at Dressmann: 6 Bans We Enforce
- Dressmann has a total ban on fur. This includes a ban on fur and wool from Angora rabbit in all our products. Only synthetic fur is allowed.
- Dressmann does not buy merino wool from Australia unless it is certified to RWS, and there is approved documentation that the wool comes from farms that do not practice mulesing.
- Dressmann does not allow the use of down plucked from live birds or birds that have been force-fed.
- Leather and hides from exotic or endangered animals are prohibited. This includes leather from crocodiles, snakes, and seals.
- The use of skin from animals that have been skinned or boiled alive is strictly prohibited.
- Due to well-documented poor working conditions at tanneries in Bangladesh, Dressmann has banned the purchase of leather processed in Bangladesh.
Learn more about how Varner and Dressmann work towards more sustainable production, employee welfare, and safe supply chains on Varner’s website. If you have further questions, you can send an email to the sustainability department at [email protected].