At Untouched World, animal welfare is central to how we source and work with natural fibres. We follow the Five Domains framework, an internationally recognised approach that considers both the physical and emotional wellbeing of animals, including their ability to express natural behaviours and experience positive states.
This commitment sits alongside regenerative farming practices and standards such as ZQRX™, which prioritise animal welfare, environmental care, and continuous improvement. Through close partnerships with suppliers like Glenthorne Station, we support farming systems that focus on respectful animal care, healthier ecosystems, and a more balanced relationship between land, animals, and people.
The Five Domains of Animal Welfare
Untouched World embraces the Five Domains of Animal Welfare framework, which is widely accepted as the contemporary of the Five Freedoms. The model is an internationally recognised method for considering and assessing animal welfare. It was developed by Mellor and Reid (1994) with the latest version including the impact of human-animal interactions.
The Five Domains framework does not define nor set prescriptive metrics about an animal’s welfare, rather it acknowledges that an animal’s individual experience can vary and be negative, neutral or positive. Both physical and psychological experiences matter when considering an animal’s overall welfare.
As well as having a life that is as fear and pain free as possible, positive animal welfare outcomes occur when an animal not only has their basic needs met, but they have access to and/or choice about other things. This can mean handling practices that minimise stress and ensure the environment is as calm and familiar as possible, it might include access to a variety of foods, being close to desirable companions and avoiding those who are not, being able to limit or avoid stressful experiences and predators, and being able to express normal behaviours, such as playing, exploring, grazing and foraging.
Untouched World is committed to raising awareness in our animal fibre sourcing supply chain around the importance of making a shift from the Five Freedoms to the Five Domains.
Regenerative Farming
At Untouched World, animal welfare and environmental care are deeply connected. We work with fibre suppliers who support regenerative farming systems that aim to give back more than they take, improving soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience while ensuring animals are treated with care and respect. These practices reduce soil disturbance, support living soil systems, protect ground cover, and integrate animals into the natural cycle of the land. By prioritising regenerative approaches, we help safeguard biodiversity and strengthen the environments that support all living things.
Glenthorne Station
Over 90% of the Merino wool used in our collections comes from Glenthorne Station, a ZQRX™ accredited farm in New Zealand’s South Island high country, just 110km from our workrooms. At Glenthorne, animal welfare is central, with sheep raised to high standards of care alongside strong environmental and social practices. The farm also leads in regenerative approaches that support healthier land, stronger ecosystems, and long-term wellbeing for both animals and the environment.
ZQRX™
ZQRX™ is a leading standard for ethical wool, with a strong focus on animal welfare and environmental responsibility. It goes beyond sustainability, supporting regenerative farming practices aimed at continuous improvement, healthier ecosystems, and better outcomes for animals and the land.
Certifications & Trustmarks
Our certifications and trustmarks provide clear insight into the animal welfare, environmental, and ethical standards behind each garment. They reflect our commitment to responsible sourcing and long-term care for the land, animals, and people involved in making our clothing. Together, they offer assurance that every piece is created with transparency, integrity, and respect at every stage.
