Nike has made a groundbreaking commitment to eliminate wool that causes cruelty to animals from its product range. The company has adopted the certified Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) policy. The move, announced by global animal welfare organisation Four Paws, is expected to inspire other companies in the apparel industry.
One of the main concerns with the wool industry is the practice of mulesing, which involves the removal of strips of skin from the rump and tail of lambs without adequate anesthesia or pain relief. This painful procedure causes immense suffering, shock, and stress for young lambs, leading to slower growth and increased mortality rates.
Four Paws, which has been campaigning against mulesing for years, targeted Nike in 2022 as part of its advocacy efforts. Over 80,000 sports enthusiasts joined the cause, urging Nike to follow in the footsteps of Adidas and Puma, which have already committed to using certified wool.
Rebecca Picallo Gil, the head of the wool campaign at Four Paws, commended Nike’s decision, stating that it would benefit millions of lambs. As the mulesing season in Australia approaches, this commitment from Nike sends a powerful message to wool producers. Being an influential brand, Nike has the potential to inspire the entire apparel market to prioritize animal welfare.
According to Four Paws, over 350 brands and retailers have now implemented policies against mulesing. Notable names among these include Aldi, Asics, Asos, Bestseller, C&A, Decathlon, H&M, Ikea, Inditex, Kik, Kmart, Otto Group, Primark, Tchibo, Tesco, Uniqlo, and Zalando.
Nike’s decision marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to promote ethical and cruelty-free practices in the apparel industry. By embracing the Responsible Wool Standard, Nike is taking a proactive stance toward animal welfare and setting a positive example for its peers.
