On September 6, 2022, NATIVA, a firm that has pioneered fully traceable, sustainable Merino wool, announced the U.S. launch of the NATIVA Regenerative Agriculture Program (NATIVA Regen).
The program is a partnership with the Shaniko Wool Company.
NATIVA Regen, the first regenerative wool program to be launched in the U.S., is designed to restore soil and water quality and boost biodiversity, all while helping brands reduce their carbon footprint and reach their sustainability targets.
Brands that create garments with wool produced under the NATIVA Regen program will be committing to supporting regenerative farming practices as well as farmers and communities.
Brands and farmers participating in the program will be able to claim a double NATIVA/Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certification that guarantees sustainable practices from farm to finished garment. Backed by blockchain technology, the certification proves brands’ commitment to transparency.
“We are thrilled to expand our NATIVA Regen program to the U.S. in partnership with Shaniko Wool Company as part of our global commitment to innovation and sustainability,” said Federico Paullier, CEO of Chargeurs Luxury Fibers.
“We look forward to welcoming U.S.-based farmers and brands to the program and supporting them as they transition to regenerative practices that improve soil and water quality while promoting an overall healthier habitat that restores natural biodiversity at the farm level,” he added.
Shaniko Wool Company is an Oregon-based farm group overseeing nine farms across four states and was the first U.S. wool producer to receive the Textile Exchange’s RWS certification.
As a participant in the NATIVA Regen program, the company has received the first dual NATIVA-RWS sustainability certification issued in the U.S.
NATIVA parent company Chargeurs is the operator of Chargeurs Wool USA, the only wool-processing facility in the U.S.
With the launch of the NATIVA Regen program in the U.S., Chargeurs is able to manage both the sourcing and initial processing of traceable, certified NATIVA wool in the country and ensure brands can take advantage of the low-carbon benefits associated with local production in the USA.
NATIVA Regen, a robust system with a triple impact, is based on scientific research and backed by data. It regenerates the land by improving soil quality, it safeguards animals by ensuring their healthy keeping, and it supports farmers and local communities by improving their livelihoods.
These multidisciplinary efforts result in better water quality and increased CO2 capturing levels.
Through NATIVA Regen, NATIVA collaborates closely with farmers worldwide, including in Australia, Uruguay, Argentina and now, the U.S., as well as with leading research institutes, universities and environmental sustainability pioneers such as Quantis.
Current NATIVA wool brand partners in the U.S. include Madewell and Reformation.
Photo via Pixabay.