Woolmark

Definition and Overview

The Woolmark is a mark displayed on textile products made with wool, indicating compliance with specified requirements for raw material blend ratio and product performance. It is not a mandatory label under law, but an optional mark based on prescribed review and a licensing agreement.

It applies not only to the fabric itself, but also to each applicable product category, such as apparel, knit products, and bedding products. It cannot be used simply because wool is included; the planned product and its labeling method must be reviewed and approved.

Scope and Approach to Standards

Under the standards, the wool blend ratio, durability, and appearance changes after washing or dry cleaning are checked according to the product category. The applicable requirements vary depending on whether the product is pure wool or a blended product, as well as its applications and care method.

Therefore, even if a fabric has a high wool content, the finished product does not automatically qualify for the Woolmark. Compliance is judged not only by material composition, but also by accessory materials, product design, processing, and labeling content.

Points to Check When Procuring Fabric and Making Products

When procuring fabric, check the wool blend ratio, the basis for the composition label, the lot, finishing, and the recommended handling method. Even if the fabric supplier has Woolmark-related materials, it is important to distinguish whether those materials apply to the roll fabric or the finished product.

When turning it into a product, confirm the license status, applicant, target countries and regions, and the required testing and approval procedures at an early stage of planning. Since labels may not be added after sewing, confirm before ordering hang tags or woven labels.

• The fabric blend ratio and care tag content
• The product stage and scope covered by the fabric documentation
• The care method for the finished product and required performance checks
• Approval for use of brand markings, hang tags, and woven labels
• Storage and traceability methods for documents, including subcontracted production sites

Notes on Labeling and Certificates

The Woolmark design and name may have conditions regarding placement, color, and surrounding wording. Do not print the mark on your own judgment or label it as "certified"; follow the approved data and labeling instructions.

Certificates and test reports attached to fabric cannot always be applied as-is to a finished product with a different product number, color, lot, or specification. Keep purchase orders, specifications, test records, and approval documents linked together so that the basis for labeling can be explained.

Differences from Similar Terms

Wool is the name of the fiber material, while Woolmark is a labeling program used for products that meet raw material and quality requirements. The blend ratio is information related to legal fiber composition labeling, and by itself does not determine whether Woolmark can be used.

RWS is a standard that addresses responsible production in the wool sourcing stage, and its purpose and scope of verification differ from Woolmark. Non-mulesed wool is also a term indicating sourcing conditions related to breeding methods, and it is distinguished from product performance and approval for mark use.

Frequently Asked Questions