The launch reflects the increasing importance that retailers are placing on developing truly sustainable products, underpinned by ethical land management and animal welfare practices by farmers.
The new range of men's blazers and waistcoats feature New Zealand lambswool, grown by RWS-accredited Wools of New Zealand growers.
Chief Executive of Wools of New Zealand, Rosstan Mazey, said the wool is in the 28-31 micron range, more traditionally used in the production of interior textiles.
''It's a big step for crossbred wool and it's tremendously exciting to see our wool moving into high-end attire.''
''It also validates our ongoing investment in the technologies and assurance programmes that allowed this to happen.''
Steven Parsons, Brand and Business Development Manager for Wools of New Zealand in the UK, said the RWS was imagined and developed as the global standard for growing wool in 2016. ''Wools of New Zealand have joined a rapidly growing number of international brands and the Textile Exchange as strong advocates for RWS as a global wool production standard, providing an assurance to consumers that the wool they are buying has been grown to the highest possible standards across farm management and animal welfare.''
Mr Mazey said 14 grower shareholders were accredited under the RWS, across both North and South Islands.
''Through the launch of this new product we anticipate increased interest in our wool and RWS credentials,'' Mr Mazey said.
''We expect more of our growers to become RWS certified as market demand builds.''
