Smartwool Launches Zque
New accreditation programme ensures merino is top quality and ethically produced says Smartwool.
Posted: 25 October 2011
by Jon
Smartwool has announced something called Zque, which despite looking like a random spelling disaster masquerading as a word, is actually an 'international accreditation programme for all Merino wool used in their range.
The programme – or 'program' if you're American – means the company can trace the wool it uses right back to the source, which it says means not only can they know that they're getting the best quality merino wool possible, but also that it's been produced according to the best management practices.
That includes everything from how the sheep are raised right through to ensuring that sustainable land management practices are being used on the sheep ranches in New Zealand where the wool is produced.
Smartwool says the programme 'is designed to ensure environmental, social and economic sustainability for growers, improve animal welfare and provide a means to trace end products back to the source. By supporting ™ SmartWool supports the ideology of fair trade, encouraging all companies, including competitors, to do the same'.
It's a reassuring step at a time when Smartwool's clothing and sock range really does seem to be stepping on the gas and hurtling forwards into the 21stCentury. We particuarly like the new HyFi range, which combines merino wool with a harder-wearing Polyamide face fabric in technical designs and cuts.
As an aside, fellow merino wool brand, Icebreaker is similarly environmentally committed and its BAACODE programme allows you to trace the origin of any Icebreaker garment back to the specific farm where the wool was produced as well as following the manufacturing process in words and video footage.
More Smartwool info at www.smartwool.com.
Discuss this story
This kind of responsible behaviour is more important to me as a consumer, the older and hopefully wiser[ hah!] I get.
I want to know that my Down Jacket has been ethically sourced, from a country who abide by strict animal welfare standards. And that the birds have been humanely treated. Some Countries allow the birds to be put through horrendously cruel conditions.
I'd like to see my favorite manufacturers of Wool, Swanndri and Ulfrotte follow suit.
Posted: 26/10/2011 at 10:44
Dunno  Probably worth being clear (as the article, and likely press release!, doesn't seem to be) that zque existed before this and is external to smartwool. Its been on Choc fishes website for a while now, and I'd be rather surprised if some other people weren't using it. Very commendable of Smartwool adopting it of course. (and finally seeming to get a bit of distribution!)
Posted: 26/10/2011 at 10:59
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