Oritain, a scientific traceability company, has announced a new partnership with Mohair South Africa, the industry body for mohair in South Africa, in a bid to support the company’s increased commitment to sustainable mohair.
South Africa currently produces approximately 50% 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 colour 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. Its unique qualities – lustre, light weight, dye-responsiveness, climate control, durability, crease resistance and non-flammability – make it a highly sought-after fibre 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 world leader in using forensic science to verify the origin of products and raw materials.
Oritain uses a combination of forensic science and technology to analyse mohair fibre 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, says: “Mohair South Africa’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is vital in not only protecting this luxurious and sustainable fibre 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 recognises the shift towards a fully traceable fashion fibre as the future of sustainable sourcing and we believe technology can play an important role in ensuring transparency from farm to store,” says Lindsay Humphreys, head of Global Business Development and 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 programmes 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.”
