ZQ the leading wool standard in FOUR PAWS Certification Insights Report

Recently, FOUR PAWS, an international animal welfare organisation, released its Certification Insights Report assessing 12 textile standards against 19 criteria – 8 foundational and 11 spotlight issues.

We’re proud to share that ZQ Certification ranked as the top wool standard, meeting 7 out of 8 foundational criteria and committing to achieve the final one within the next 12 months. This was the highest number of criteria met and commitment among the wool standards reviewed.

While this report provides a strong indication of animal welfare risk mitigation value, the report does not provide a comprehensive review of all animal welfare needs that should be addressed within each standard. Instead, the report covers what FOUR PAWS considers to be some of the key issues industry should be prioritising at this moment in time.

One area where ZQ stood out was its requirement for regular on-farm audits by accredited third parties. ZQ is the only wool certification that requires every farm to be independently audited at least every three years, ensuring compliance with animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility.

ZQ combines rigorous audits with regular hands-on support, education, and a commitment to continuous improvement. NZM representatives visit farms on average four times a year, offering guidance, sharing best practices, and fostering strong partnerships between growers and brands. These relationships create stability for both sides through long-term contracts, incentivising ongoing improvement for growers while securing consistent supply and pricing for brands.

We’re proud to see ZQ recognised for its integrity and commitment to continuous improvement.

Read the full report here: Four Paws Certification Insights Report