What Is RMS? (Responsible Mohair & Alpaca Standard)? A Guide for Conscious Crafters

At Knitted Clouds, we believe that luxury fibers like mohair and alpaca should come with a story of care, sustainability, and transparency. That’s why we offer yarns that are certified under the Responsible Mohair and Alpaca Standard (RMS)—a growing benchmark in ethical and sustainable animal fiber production.

But what exactly is RMS? What does it guarantee, and why should you look for it when shopping for mohair or alpaca yarns? In this blog, we’ll guide you through what the Responsible Mohair & Alpaca Standard means, and why it matters for conscious crafters like you.

🌿 What Is RMS?

RMS (Responsible Mohair & Alpaca Standard) is a voluntary global certification developed by Textile Exchange, the same organization behind other respected certifications like RWS (Responsible Wool Standard) and RAS (Responsible Alpaca Standard).

It ensures that mohair and alpaca fibers come from farms that meet strict standards for:
✅ Animal welfare
✅ Land and pasture management
✅ Full traceability from farm to yarn

The goal? To give you the peace of mind that your softest yarns are also some of the most ethical and environmentally responsible choices out there.

🐐 Animal Welfare at the Core

Whether it’s mohair from angora goats or alpaca from high-altitude farms, RMS places animal welfare at the center of its standards. This means:

✔️ Animals must be treated with care and respect
✔️ Painful procedures (like tail docking or ear cutting) are prohibited
✔️ No mistreatment or abuse during handling, shearing, or transport
✔️ Access to shelter, food, water, and open pasture is mandatory
✔️ Regular audits ensure that farms are meeting high welfare standards

In the past, the mohair industry—especially in South Africa—has faced criticism over animal treatment. RMS was created to drive change and restore trust, by only certifying farms with transparent, humane practices.

🌍 Sustainability and Land Health

RMS goes beyond animal welfare. It also includes sustainability standards to ensure that land used for grazing is managed responsibly, which includes:

🌱 Rotational grazing to prevent overgrazing and maintain soil health
💧 Water conservation practices
🌿 Preservation of native plants and biodiversity
🚫 No harmful chemicals used in pasture maintenance

This is especially important for alpaca farming in the Andes and mohair production in semi-arid regions, where poor land practices can lead to erosion and long-term ecological damage. RMS encourages regenerative, holistic farming practices that protect these precious ecosystems.

🔍 Full Traceability, From Farm to Fiber

One of the most important features of RMS is transparency. Certified yarn must be traceable at every step:
✅ From the farm
✅ To the cleaning and spinning mills
✅ To the dyers, wholesalers, and retailers

RMS ensures that certified fiber is never mixed with non-certified fiber during production. That means when you buy RMS-certified yarn, you can trust that it’s exactly what it says it is.

💡 Why Choose RMS-Certified Yarn?

🐐 Support Animal Welfare

RMS guarantees that alpacas and angora goats are treated humanely—from birth to shearing.

🌍 Make an Environmentally Responsible Choice

You’re supporting farms that protect the land they work on and reduce their ecological footprint.

🔍 Demand Transparency

RMS ensures that the entire supply chain is traceable, giving you more trust in what you're working with.

🧶 No Compromise on Luxury

RMS-certified mohair and alpaca are just as soft, silky, and warm as you’d expect—but with ethics behind every strand.

🧶 How We Represent RMS at Knitted Clouds

At Knitted Clouds, we believe in luxury with integrity. That’s why we offer yarns that are certified under the Responsible Mohair and Alpaca Standard.

✔️ We partner with suppliers who put animal welfare first
✔️ We prioritize brands that offer full supply chain transparency
✔️ We support farms that care for their animals, land, and communities

Whether you're working on a delicate shawl, a cozy winter sweater, or a unique gift, you can feel good knowing your yarn was ethically sourced and sustainably produced.

✨ Final Thoughts: Ethical Luxury for Conscious Makers

RMS brings accountability and care to the world of luxury fibers. It’s not just about softness and beauty—it’s about ensuring that your yarn supports a better standard for animals, the environment, and the future of fiber arts.

At Knitted Clouds, we’re proud to offer RMS-certified yarns that match your values without sacrificing quality or beauty.

🧶 Want to knit with a clearer conscience? Browse our Responsible Mohair & Alpaca collection here!