Mulesing-free wool
Also known as: Non-mulesed wool, Mulesing free
Wool from sheep that have not undergone mulesing (skin removal without anaesthesia) — a core animal-welfare criterion.
Description
Mulesing describes the removal of skin strips from the hindquarters of young merino sheep to prevent fly-strike (myiasis) and is practised primarily in Australia. "Mulesing-free" guarantees that the farm avoids this practice and instead uses alternatives such as breeding plain-bodied sheep, chemical repellents or crutching (shearing around the anus).
Mulesing-free status is documented via certificates NM (Non-Mulesed), CM (Ceased Mulesed) or AA (Analgesia Administered — with pain relief); only NM is generally fully accepted in trade. RWS (Responsible Wool Standard) and ZQ Merino exclude mulesing entirely.
- Concerns mainly Australian merino wool (approx. 80 % of world merino)
- New Zealand, South America and Europe are almost fully mulesing-free
- Verification through audit systems, supplier declarations and certificates
- Brands such as H&M, Patagonia and Icebreaker source 100 % NM wool
Properties
| Fibre type | Animal natural fibre (wool, mainly merino) |
|---|---|
| Classification | NM / CM / AA declaration |
| Origin | New Zealand, South America, Europe (mulesing-free); Australia (partially) |
| Application | Outdoor base layers, merino shirts, suits, knitwear |
Sources & references
1- Wikipedia: Mulesing Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulesing
