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<\/p>\nSome farmers have had to change their practices to meet New Zealand standards. File pic\u00a0<\/span>Photo:\u00a0123RF<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n To qualify for a three-year contract with New Zealand Merino, the Headlams ceased mulesing, a one-off procedure to remove folds of skins around a lamb’s rear and tail.<\/p>\n They also have to meet a globally recognised set of standards that cover fleece quality, animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility.<\/p>\n “The Kiwis ceased mulesing quite early in the piece because they could see the markets [they] could gain access to,” Headlam said.<\/p>\n “It was quite clever on their behalf.”<\/p>\n The pair recently spent some time in New Zealand as part of a study tour of its wool and textile industry, including its biggest outdoor merino brand, Icebreaker.<\/p>\n “I’ve always been a fan of wearing their Icebreaker apparel for nearly 20 years,” Headlam said.<\/p>\n “It’s cool to see that finally we’ve got some connection with a consumer through that channel, with New Zealand Merino and AWN.”<\/p>\n Claire Headlam said it was encouraging to see the entire supply chain on the same page.<\/p>\n “Icebreaker have been manufacturing quite sustainably for quite some time now,” she said.<\/p>\n “But their real goal is to remove plastic from their garments.<\/p>\n “It fits with some of our values as well, because we’re really trying to reduce the amount of plastic we use.”<\/p>\n