At our core, we are committed to upholding the highest animal welfare standards across all operations. We recognise our responsibility to ethically source materials and maintain humane practices throughout the supply chain. This policy outlines our dedication to safeguarding animal welfare and sourcing materials responsibly, offering customers peace of mind when choosing our products.
Commitment to Ethical Sourcing
We prioritise sourcing materials from suppliers who adhere to strict animal welfare standards. Our approach ensures:
- Humane Treatment: All animals involved in producing our materials are treated with care and respect, avoiding unnecessary harm or suffering.
- Ethical Standards: We partner with suppliers who comply with globally recognised standards, such as the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) and the Global Traceable Down Standard (TDS), ensuring animals are raised responsibly.
- No Live-Plucking or Force-Feeding: Practices like live-plucking or force-feeding are strictly prohibited when sourcing down and feathers.
For more about the standards we follow, visit Responsible Down Standard and Textile Exchange’s Global Traceable Down Standard.
Material-Specific Commitments
Feather & Down
Our down and feather products are sourced from suppliers certified by the RDS and TDS. These certifications ensure:
- Down and feathers are by-products of the food industry, supporting a circular approach.
- Animals are treated ethically throughout their lifecycle, with no live-plucking or force-feeding.
- Traceability is maintained, so every product meets international welfare standards.
We actively monitor suppliers through independent audits, ensuring compliance with these standards. Learn more about the RDS certification here.
Silk
Our silk materials are carefully chosen to align with ethical sourcing practices, including:
- Mulberry silk is harvested through humane processes.
- Exploring alternatives like Peace Silk (Ahimsa Silk) allows silkworms to complete their lifecycle without harm.
Wool
We source wool from suppliers certified by the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) and other UK-based welfare organisations, ensuring:
- Ethical farming practices, with a strict prohibition on mulesing.
- High standards of animal care during shearing and farming.
- Sustainability in wool production, prioritising regenerative farming methods.
Our suppliers undergo regular audits to ensure adherence to RWS guidelines. Discover more about the RWS here.
Synthetics
For customers seeking cruelty-free alternatives, we offer a range of synthetic materials, including:
- Microfibre and hollowfibre mimic the softness and warmth of natural fillings without compromising on quality.
- Recycled and eco-friendly options, minimising environmental impact.
Supplier Audits and Compliance
We hold our suppliers accountable through regular audits to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards. Our approach includes:
- Comprehensive Audits: Regular assessments verify adherence to global and UK-specific standards, such as the RDS, RWS, and other independent certifications.
- Certification Verification: Suppliers must provide third-party certifications to validate their practices.
- Continuous Improvement: Collaboration with suppliers ensures ongoing improvement in animal welfare and ethical sourcing practices.
Transparency and Accountability
Transparency is at the heart of our operations. We are committed to:
- Open Communication: Maintaining clear dialogue with suppliers, customers, and stakeholders about our sourcing practices.
- Public Reporting: Regularly updating our initiatives and progress on animal welfare to build trust.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Partnering with organisations like the British Wool Marketing Board and Textile Exchange to stay ahead of industry best practices.
Commitment to Sustainable Practices
In addition to animal welfare, we are dedicated to sustainability throughout our operations. Our efforts include:
- Sustainable Sourcing: Using materials with minimal environmental impact, such as recycled synthetics and responsibly sourced down and wool.
- Ethical Innovation: Researching and adopting alternative materials aligned with our sustainability and animal welfare goals.
- Education and Awareness: Empowering employees, suppliers, and customers to make informed, ethical choices.
Policy Implementation and Review
To ensure ongoing compliance and progress, we commit to:
- Employee Training: Equipping staff with knowledge about animal welfare and ethical sourcing standards.
- Annual Reviews: Regularly updating this policy to reflect new research, legal developments, and industry standards.
- Leadership Commitment: Ensuring our leadership team actively oversees the implementation of this policy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How does Raymat Textiles ensure ethical sourcing of animal-derived materials?
We work exclusively with suppliers certified by globally recognised organisations such as the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), Global Traceable Down Standard (TDS), and Responsible Wool Standard (RWS). Our suppliers undergo regular audits to ensure compliance with strict animal welfare practices, including humane treatment and the prohibition of live-plucking, force-feeding, or mulesing.
- What certifications do Raymat Textiles products hold?
Our products meet several international certifications for ethical and sustainable sourcing, including:
- RDS: Ensures humane practices in the down and feather supply chain.
- RWS: Guarantees ethical wool farming and responsible land use.
- TDS: Provides traceability for down and feathers to their ethical sources.
What is Peace Silk, and does Raymat Textiles use it?
Peace Silk (Ahimsa Silk) is a type of silk produced without harming silkworms, allowing them to complete their lifecycle. We exclusively use ethically sourced Mulberry silk, which is renowned for its luxurious softness and durability. While we do not currently use Peace Silk, we ensure that our Mulberry silk is sourced responsibly, aligning with our commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
Are your synthetic materials environmentally friendly?
Yes, we use high-quality synthetic materials such as microfibre and hollowfibre, which are hypoallergenic and cruelty-free. Additionally, we are incorporating recycled and eco-friendly fibres to minimise environmental impact without compromising comfort or durability.
How does Raymat Textiles monitor supplier compliance?
We perform regular audits and assessments of our suppliers to verify adherence to animal welfare and sustainability standards. These audits include reviewing certifications, inspecting facilities, and ensuring traceability of materials throughout the supply chain.
Do your wool products come from farms that practice mulesing?
No, we strictly prohibit mulesing in our wool supply chain. We source wool from suppliers certified by the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), ensuring humane treatment and ethical farming practices.
How does Raymat Textiles ensure transparency in its sourcing practices?
Transparency is a core value of our operations. We provide public updates on animal welfare initiatives, maintain open communication with suppliers, and partner with trusted organisations like the British Wool Marketing Board to stay ahead of industry best practices.
Why should I choose Raymat Textiles for ethically sourced bedding?
By choosing our products, you support:
- Humane treatment of animals throughout our supply chain.
- Ethical sourcing practices certified by leading global standards.
- Luxurious bedding crafted with care, comfort, and sustainability in mind.
How can I learn more about your commitment to animal welfare?
For further details about our animal welfare standards, certifications, and initiatives, you can explore our full policy or contact our customer service team. We’re always happy to answer your questions and share more about our commitment to ethical practices.
