Animal welfare
A consumer ‘megatrend’ -which is transforming consumer behavioural patterns- is the emergence of the ‘lifestyle of health and sustainability ’ as a major driver of consumer disposition. For products deriving from livestock species, this is reflected in increased concern of animal welfare standards.
As the international body representing the interests of the world’s wool-textile trade and industry, IWTO provides a relevant global forum for consultation on animal welfare standards and practices, especially where the considered views of the global industry are sought, or guidelines for welfare practices to be established. For this reason, IWTO established in October 2012 the Sustainable Practices Working Group, which has the task to develop the IWTO guidelines for wool sheep welfare, and the associated communication strategy required. Since the beginning, SUL forms part of this working group.