Australian Wool Sustainability Scheme: an example of the SSF in action

As the Australian and global wool industry continues to evolve, sustainability is no longer just a buzzword – it is increasingly becoming a business imperative. The Australian Wool Sustainability Scheme (AWSS) has emerged as a practical, farm-level tool for wool producers to demonstrate alignment with the priorities set out in the Sheep Sustainability Framework (SSF).

A standard designed for Australian wool

One of AWSS’s greatest strengths is that it has been shaped by the Australian industry, for the Australian industry. The AWSS was designed with the guidance of an independent Expert Panel of leading producers, researchers, and industry professionals. This panel utilised the SSF as a guiding document from the outset to ensure the Standard reflects Australian production systems, regulatory settings, and on-farm realities. The result is a rigorous, credible and accessible certification built for Australian wool.

On-farm commitment, verified at the PIC level

AWSS certifies at the property level, using the industry’s established unique identifier of property identification codes (PIC), rather than at group or enterprise level. This ensures that certification is based on individual farm practices, giving brands and buyers confidence that every AWSS-certified wool bale can be traced back to a verified wool-growing property.

Inclusive certification for different farming systems

AWSS offers two certification options to producers, reflecting the diversity within Australian wool production:

• SustainaWOOL (SW):  for non-mulesed or ceased-mulesed properties, and

• ResponsiWOOL (RE): for properties that use mulesing (or liquid nitrogen) as part of their animal wellbeing plan to help reduce flystrike risk, but only with appropriate pain relief.

This flexibility allows growers across the spectrum of Australian sheep-management practices to participate, while still ensuring transparency and integrity for the market.

Using technology already built into the industry

A major advantage of AWSS is its integration with existing industry-wide digital traceability tools.

• eBale wool packs carry a unique QR code and RFID tag
• WoolClip captures clip details, the National Wool Declaration and the eBale ID on-farm
• the PIC system underpins traceability at the property level.

Together, these tools enable seamless verification from farm through to first-stage processing. By using what the industry already has in place, AWSS delivers a level of efficiency, accuracy and robustness that stands out.

Efficiency, scale and lower cost

Because AWSS relies on systems which growers are already using (WoolClip, eBale, National Wool Declaration), the scheme reduces duplication, administrative burden, and costs. On-farm AWSS audits are conducted by AUS-MEAT, creating opportunities for alignment with other industry audit programs and minimising the burden on growers.

Credibility backed by science and governance

The AWSS Expert Panel plays an ongoing role in shaping both the AWSS Grower Standard and the evidence requirements for growers to demonstrate compliance against the Standard. This ensures the program is robust, scientifically informed, and responsive to evolving expectations.

AWSS aligns to the SSF through its four key sustainability pillars:

• caring for sheep
• caring for the environment
• caring for people and communities
• caring for industry.

AWSS also has a unique quality & integrity pillar which includes clip preparation by a registered Wool Classer and use of traceability tools.

Supported by industry, ready for the future

The Scheme has recently received strong support from Wool Industries Australia (WIA), which has publicly identified AWSS as the preferred certification for Australian greasy wool.

WIA emphasised AWSS’s practicality, its fit for Australian production, and its ability to reduce complexity and cost by leveraging digital systems already used across the industry. Encouragingly, support is also emerging from key wool processing markets in Italy and China.

Better market access and a stronger reputation

For growers, certification provides a clear market opportunity: AWSS assures buyers of sustainability, traceability, integrity, and high-quality clip preparation.

As customers and regulators demand greater transparency, AWSS certification allows Australian wool to access these markets and drive stronger competition for certified clips.

Sustainability in action, delivering results

The AWSS offers a farm-level, science-based and digitally efficient pathway for growers to demonstrate alignment to the industry priorities set by the SSF. Built on trusted industry tools and supported by major wool industry bodies, AWSS is well placed to scale quickly and credibly – strengthening Australia’s sustainability story and reinforcing our global reputation for producing the world’s best wool.