You asked us where our wool comes from. It's one of our favourite questions, so we wanted to give you a proper answer.
The short version:
- All our wool is mulesing-free.
- It's spun in Italy and Yorkshire, by three long-established mills.
- Each mill holds independent certifications for animal welfare or chemical safety, and can trace its fibre back to the farm.
Why we're so fussy about wool
We only use natural fibres. Never polyester, never synthetics. Wool is warm, breathable, lasts for years, and biodegrades at the end of its life.
But "natural" isn't enough on its own. We want to know the sheep were treated well, the land was looked after, and nothing nasty went into the dye. So we choose mills that can prove it.
We care about the people too. We want everyone making our clothes paid a real living wage, and we choose women-owned factories wherever we can. Putting money into women's hands, rather than into the pockets of a few, is the whole point of how we run Black & Beech.
An honest note on where wool is grown
Our yarn is spun in Europe and the UK. But most of the world's fine merino is grown in the southern hemisphere, in places like Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
That's why we look so closely at certifications, and why every yarn we use is mulesing-free. Those are what actually protect the animals on the farm, wherever the farm is.
1. Lanecardate, Biella, Italy
Used in: our superfine merino jumpers, knitted in Portugal.
A family-run spinner in Italy's famous wool region of Biella, going since 1977. The family behind it has been in textiles for over 300 years.
Certifications and standards
- RWS (Responsible Wool Standard): independently audited animal welfare, land care and worker safety on the farm
- Mulesing-free wool
- SustainaWOOL
What we love about them
- They were the first Italian spinner to publish a voluntary, open traceability system. They know every supplier and can follow each yarn from farm to finished product.
- They're a founding member of the Slow Fiber network.
- They publish a yearly sustainability (ESG) report and an ethical code.
Do No Harm Take No Shit Merino Funnel Jumper in Kelp & Pink
2. Manifattura Sesia, Italy
Used in: our tweedy, flecked merino accessories, knitted in Scotland.
We use their Scotland yarn: a super-fine, super 100s merino, carded for softness, with a lovely tweedy, flecked look. Despite the name, it's spun in Italy.
Certifications held by the mill
- RWS (Responsible Wool Standard): audited through Textile Exchange, covering the welfare of the sheep and care of the land
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100: independently tested so no harmful substances are left in the yarn
- ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals): a chemical management programme to remove toxic substances from production, checked every year
- The mill also holds GOTS, GRS and the Alpaca Blend Mark for some of their other yarns
Hold Fast Gloves in Peat
3. Z. Hinchliffe & Sons, Denby Dale, Yorkshire
Used in: our merino lambswool mittens, knitted in Scotland.
Founded in 1766 and still in the very same Yorkshire village today. It's still mostly owned by the Hinchliffe family, nearly 260 years on.
What stands out
- Animal welfare first: they work closely with a small number of fibre suppliers they know well, so they can trace where the fibre comes from.
- Caregora accredited angora: their angora is sheared, never combed, and bought only through the Caregora welfare scheme, with full traceability back to the farmer.
- No nasties: no azo dyes, no formaldehyde, and nothing carcinogenic, hazardous or allergy-causing.
- River water, returned clean: they dye with the soft water of the River Dearne, then treat it and return it to the river as clean as it was.
Book Worm Mittens in Calamine & Cocoa
Feminist Fingerless Mittens in French Rose & Rouge
Your questions, answered
Is Black & Beech wool mulesing-free?
Yes. Every wool yarn we use is mulesing-free.
Where is your wool spun?
In Biella in Italy, and Denby Dale in Yorkshire.
Where is your knitwear made?
Our jumpers are knitted in Portugal, and our hats, scarves and mittens are knitted in Scotland.
Do you use any synthetic fibres?
No. Our knitwear is natural fibre, so it biodegrades at the end of its life.
How do I care for my knit?
Looked after well, good wool lasts for years. Have a read of our knit care guide, and keep a pilling comb handy to keep it looking fresh.
Got a question about a particular piece? Just get in touch and we'll tell you exactly which yarn it's made from and where it was knitted.
Leave a comment