Last week BOSS reported on SmartWools actions to put a stop to the practice of mulesing on New Zealand Merino wool farms (see BOSS_0514). BOSS also noted that Icebreaker works closely with New Zealands Merino Farmers as well, but the companys CEO, Jeremy Moon, who is based in NZ was unable to get in touch with us before going to press.
Moon told BOSS in an e-mail that SmartWool will not be alone in its efforts to stop mulesing and Icebreaker intends to eradicate the practice from its farms. “Going forward, Icebreaker will only be purchasing pure New Zealand merino that is guaranteed mulesing free,” he said. “As I understand it, mulesing is an issue primarily in Australia, but this is a guarantee to us of ethical on-farm practices.”
Likewise, Icebreaker has a contract system in place similar to SmartWools. “We started direct contracts with the leading growers based in the Southern Alps of New Zealand to ensure that the pure merino we sourced for Icebreaker was of a high and consistent quality every year,” said Moon. “We gave growers 2 year contracts that locked in minimum prices that guaranteed them profitability, and locked in maximum prices so Icebreaker remained competitive. At the time it was revolutionary and a real win/win breakthrough.”
Moon also told BOSS that this year Icebreaker will purchase well over 1 million pounds of pure New Zealand merino wool for apparel. This equates to roughly $6m in pure merino for base-layers and apparel. The company will produce close to 1 million pieces sold to retailers and distributors in 18 countries.
>>>The PETA website certainly makes mulesing look barbaric; its great to see the industry getting behind this
