Wool Impact Assessment Checklist - Advanced

Section 1: Design for Circularity

Purpose: Evaluate circular design principles and sustainable material choices

Categories: Renewability, Recycling, Longevity, Repair, End-of-life

Questions: 19 questions covering design for circular economy principles

1. Design for Circularity

Renewability

1.1 Is the primary material made from a renewable, natural fibre?
Doesn't apply
No Data
1: 100% fossil-based synthetic (e.g., polyester, nylon, acrylic)
2: Mostly fossil-based with minor renewable content or bio-based synthetics. >50% renewable source
3: Blended (e.g., 50% wool / 50% polyester)
4: Primarily renewable (>70%)
5: 100% renewable, natural material
1.2 How much of the fibre content comes from wool?
Doesn't apply
No Data
1: 0-10%
2: 11-30%
3: 31-60%
4: 61-99%
5: 100%

Recycling

1.3 How much of the fibre content comes from recycled materials?
Doesn't apply
No Data
1: 0%
2: 1-10%
3: 11-30%
4: 31-60%
5: >60% recycled content
1.4 Is the recycled material made from open loop or closed loop material inputs?
Doesn't apply
No Data
1: Unknown or unverified recycling source
2: Open-loop input from outside the industry (e.g. plastic bottles --> polyester)
3: Mostly open-loop partially closed-loop inputs
4: Predominantly closed-loop input (e.g wool --> wool)
5: Fully closed-loop from same product category and recovered from similar use (e.g. used wool garments --> new wool yarn)
1.5 Is the recycled material made from pre- or post-consumer waste?
Doesn't apply
No Data
1: Unknown or mixed origin
2: 100% pre-consumer (e.g. factory offcuts)
3: Mostly pre-consumer, small % post-consumer
4: Mix with a meaningful post-consumer share (>30%)
5: 100% post-consumer content (e.g. end-of-use garments)
1.6 Has the recycled material been produced through a mechanical, solvent-based or chemical recycling process?
Doesn't apply
No Data
1: Unknown or unverified recycling method
2: Mechanical with significant degradation of fiber quality
3: Mechanical with quality retention (e.g. wool garnetting)
4: Solvent-based or emerging low-impact chemical process
5: Certified low-impact (e.g. closed-loop chemical recycling with solvent recovery, LCA-backed)
1.7 Are the recycled materials certified with GRS, RCS, RCS Blended or SCS?
Doesn't apply
No Data
1: No certification or unknown origin
2: Self-declared recycled content, not audited
3: Certified with RCS Blended
4: Certified with RCS or SCS Recycled content
5: Certified with GRS

Longevity

1.8 Is the garment designed for functional durability?
Doesn't apply
No Data
1: Low-quality construction likely to fail quickly (e.g., weak seams, cheap zippers)
2: Basic durability; withstands occasional wear, not daily use
3: Moderate durability; acceptable for 1-2 seasons of regular use
4: Strong construction with durable materials and reinforcements
5: High durability proven through testing, reinforced seams, durable finishes
1.9 Is the garment designed to foster long-term emotional connection?
Doesn't apply
No Data
1: Fast fashion or trend-based, likely to be discarded quickly
2: Slightly above trend-driven, but with no long-term appeal
3: Aesthetic appeal or brand loyalty may extend use
4: Designed with meaning (e.g., storytelling, customisation options)
5: Timeless design, customizable or symbolic, likely to be treasured or handed down
1.10 Is the garment adapted to fit the target user's body shape and needs?
Doesn't apply
No Data
1: One-size-fits-all or ill-fitting; excludes many users
2: Limited sizes, no inclusive fit or flexibility
3: Basic size range or general fit with minimal adaptability
4: Designed for ergonomic fit; size range considers diversity
5: Inclusive design, adjustable fit, adaptive or modular sizing
1.11 Is the garment easy to care for and is that communicated to the wearer?
Doesn't apply
No Data
1: Difficult to clean or maintain; no care instructions
2: Basic care info provided, but material not care-friendly
3: Moderate care level; common issues addressed
4: Easy care (e.g., machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant) with clear instructions
5: Very easy care + care label, online guide, QR code, or garment passport
1.12 Is the garment designed for multiple users (e.g., resale, sharing, hand-me-down)?
Doesn't apply
No Data
1: Personalised or disposable; unlikely to be reused
2: Not designed for extended life but may be reused incidentally
3: Generic style or size may allow for resale or donation
4: Intended for long use with neutral, flexible design
5: Actively designed to support multiple users (e.g., durability, style longevity, modular sizing)

Repair

1.13 Is the product designed to be easily repaired by users or professionals?
Doesn't apply
No Data
1: Not repairable due to design (e.g., glued, welded seams, inaccessible linings)
2: Some potential for repair, but requires significant effort or technical skills
3: Repairable with basic knowledge; partial guidance available (e.g., tutorials, simple stitching)
4: Designed for repair with accessible parts (e.g., modular panels, replaceable fasteners), repair kits or support available
5: Fully repairable by design, with included tools, spare parts, guides, or brand repair partnerships
1.14 Are repairs or alterations offered by the brand?
Doesn't apply
No Data
1: No repair or alteration services offered; no support provided
2: Repairs occasionally offered but not promoted or formalized
3: Repair/alteration service available upon request, limited scope
4: Repair/alteration program offered regularly and publicly promoted
5: Robust, integrated repair or tailoring program (e.g., free or incentivized repairs, accessible in-store or by mail, widely advertised)
1.15 Is the product designed to be upgraded or modular to extend its lifecycle?
Doesn't apply
No Data
1: One-time use or static design with no adaptability
2: Some parts could be replaced but not designed to be
3: Modular in theory, but not marketed or supported
4: Components (e.g., cuffs, collars, soles) can be replaced or upgraded
5: Product is modular and designed for regular upgrade, personalization, or repair
1.16 Can the product be easily disassembled to separate materials at end-of-life (e.g., trims, lining, fasteners)?
Doesn't apply
No Data
1: Not disassemblable; e.g. fully fused or glued
2: Difficult to disassemble; some parts accessible
3: Partially disassemblable
4: Designed with disassembly in mind (e.g., stitching, fastenings)
5: Easy manual disassembly to enable optimal material recovery; minimal mixed-material joins; design supports separation for recycling or repair

End of Life

1.17 Do you provide a takeback, buyback or recycling programme?
Doesn't apply
No Data
1: No return or reuse pathway provided
2: General recycling recommended but no brand support
3: Return encouraged, but process unclear
4: Take-back, buy-back or recycling program in place
5: Seamless return process with product tracking, closed-loop recycling, or reuse integration
1.18 Is the product designed to be recyclable at end of life (mechanical or chemical)?
Doesn't apply
No Data
1: Not recyclable for reasons such as mixed fibres, materials, finishes, not part of the design consideration
2: Some consideration, but significant recycling barriers remain
3: Design is recyclable in theory, but needs special processes
4: Designed for common recycling systems (e.g., mono-material wool, minimal hardware)
5: Fully recyclable by design with proof of compatibility if a local recycling infrastructure available
1.19 Is the product designed to biodegrade safely if recycling is not feasible?
Doesn't apply
No Data
1: Made of non-biodegradeable materials, such as synthetics
2: Some biodegradable content, but mixed with synthetics
3: Mostly biodegradable, but with synthetic components (e.g., thread, labels)
4: Fully biodegradable materials with limited contamination
5: Entire product is compostable or biodegradable (verified) and labelled accordingly

Section 2: Sourcing

Purpose: Evaluate supply chain transparency and sourcing practices

Categories: Supply Chain Transparency, Ethical Sourcing, Traceability

Questions: 25 questions covering sourcing and supply chain practices

2. Sourcing

Supply Chain Transparency

2.1 Do you have full traceability of your wool supply chain?
Doesn't apply
No Data
1: No traceability information available
2: Limited traceability to country level only
3: Traceability to region or state level
4: Traceability to farm level
5: Full traceability with individual animal tracking
2.2 Are your suppliers certified for animal welfare standards?
Doesn't apply
No Data
1: No certification or unknown standards
2: Some suppliers have basic standards
3: Most suppliers meet minimum standards
4: All suppliers certified for animal welfare
5: All suppliers exceed certification requirements

Section 3: Raw Materials

Purpose: Assess material sourcing and environmental impact

Categories: Land/Biodiversity, Energy, Chemicals, Water, Waste, Transport, Animal Welfare, Human Rights

Questions: 42 questions covering raw material practices

3. Raw Materials

Land/Biodiversity

3.1 Are animals rotated, or are most areas constantly grazed?
Doesn't apply
No Data
1: Over 80% of land is grazed at once - little rest for pastures
2: 60-80% of land grazed
3: 40-60% of land grazed
4: 20-40% of land grazed
5: Less than 20% grazed at a time - strong pasture rotation
3.2 The number of hectares (ha) used per sheep?
Doesn't apply
No Data
1: <0.5
2: 0.5-1
3: 1-2
4: 2-5
5: >5
3.3 How much native habitat is retained on the property?
Doesn't apply
No Data
1: <5% of land area; most natural habitat cleared or degraded
2: 5-15% retained; some natural patches, unmanaged
3: 16-30% retained; habitat fragmented or partially protected
4: 31-50% retained; active protection of native areas
5: >50% native habitat retained in good condition and integrated into land use plan

Section 4: Processing

Purpose: Evaluate manufacturing processes and environmental impact

Categories: General Processing, Cleaning/Scouring, Carbonising, Fibre Alignment, Transport, Human Rights

Questions: 24 questions covering processing practices

4. Processing

General Processing

4.1 What type of equipment is used across the processing stages?
Doesn't apply
No Data
1: Large-scale, high-impact industrial machines with no sustainability controls
2: Conventional industrial with high resource use
3: Semi-industrial with some water/energy controls
4: Low-impact or semi-manual with eco-measures
5: Fully manual/artisanal with local, low-impact setup
4.2 What is the primary energy source for processing operations?
Doesn't apply
No Data
1: Coal/heavy fossil fuels
2: Natural gas/grid electricity with no renewable strategy
3: Partial renewable/low-carbon mix
4: Majority renewable or low-impact energy
5: 100% verified renewable energy, with efficiency measures
4.3 Is water use tracked and minimized during processing?
Doesn't apply
No Data
1: No tracking or excessive use
2: Monitored but not reduced
3: Some reuse or low-water equipment
4: Mostly closed-loop or reused
5: Fully closed-loop system or waterless processing

Assessment Results

Overall Score

0

out of 5

Transparency Score

0

%

Completion Rate

0

%