Mohair South Africa, the industry body for mohair in South Africa, has increased its commitment to sustainable mohair by partnering with scientific traceability company Oritain.
South Africa currently produces approximately 50 percent of the world’s mohair, accounting for nearly 30,000 jobs for local South Africans. Mohair — the “noble fibre” — is lustrous, resilient and offers exceptional color reflection, leading to a global reputation for luxury and exclusivity. But, more importantly, it’s sustainable.
Mohair is the fleece of the Angora goat, native to the Karoo, and shorn twice a year. It’s unique qualities — lustre, lightweight, dye-responsive, climate control, durability, crease-resistant and non-flammable — make it a highly sought after fiber and one that needs protection.
With its long-term commitment to sustainability and ensuring the highest levels of social and ethical production and, now, traceability, Mohair SA has partnered with Oritain, a company using forensic science to verify the origin of products and raw materials.
Oritain uses a combination of forensic science and technology to analyze mohair fiber and verify exactly which country it comes from. This gives manufacturers, brands, and consumers insight into the content of their mohair purchases.
Oritain Chief Strategy Officer, Rupert Hodges, said: “Mohair South Africa’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is vital in not only protecting this luxurious and sustainable fiber but also in helping to drive a more innovative and sustainable industry. And we’re incredibly pleased to be partnering with them to protect the global reputation of South African mohair and help support the wider work they’re doing; for example, looking at how we can also support their Empowerment Trust Programme”
Mohair South Africa believes that shared knowledge, a vigorous commitment to continuous improvement, and progressive, ethical, and sustainable attitudes play a vital role in the success of the mohair industry. “The Mohair Industry recognizes the shift towards a fully traceable fashion fiber as the future of sustainable sourcing and we believe technology can play an important role in ensuring transparency from farm to store” said Lindsay Humphreys, head of Global Business Development & Sustainability at Mohair South Africa.
“The partnership with Oritain perfectly complements the progressive developments in the mohair industry with the recent launch of the Responsible Mohair Standard and the intensified training and education programs at a grassroots level. The focus of the South African mohair industry is a commitment to working towards a more sustainable and responsible future, taking the environment, the animals, and the people into consideration. The addition of scientific traceability through Oritain is very exciting for the future of the mohair industry”.
Source: Oritain UK limited
