All About Our Certifications & Standards
At Yellow Earth, we believe customers should feel confident about where their sheepskin products come from and how they are made.
For over 30 years, Yellow Earth has specialised in working with sheepskin through our own factory operations as well as carefully selected manufacturing partners and specialist tanneries. Together, we follow internationally recognised standards for product safety, ethical sourcing and quality control.
These certifications help ensure the sheepskin used in our products is processed responsibly while maintaining the softness, durability and comfort that genuine sheepskin is known for. With decades of experience working with sheepskin, our team understands how to select, process and craft materials into products designed to last.
Whether you’re purchasing a sheepskin rug, medical sheepskin, cushion or footwear, you can feel confident knowing the materials have been produced under strict quality and safety standards.
Below are some of the key certifications and testing programs relevant to our sheepskin products and manufacturing to help keep you informed.
OEKO-TEX® Certification
Many of our lighter and medium coloured sheepskins meet the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 “Confidence in Textiles” Class 1 certification, one of the most recognised textile safety standards in the world.
Class 1 certification means the materials have been independently tested for harmful substances and are considered safe for direct contact with skin, including products intended for babies.
For darker coloured sheepskins, we often repurpose hides that naturally contain discolouration and apply dyes that meet nearly all OEKO-TEX requirements. While we continue to explore methods to achieve full OEKO-TEX certification for these shades, the dyes and processes used still meet high international safety standards.
SEDEX & SMETA Ethical Trade Standards
Our tannery partners are members of SEDEX (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) and undergo regular audits under the SMETA ethical trade audit framework.
SEDEX is a global not-for-profit organisation that helps businesses promote responsible and ethical supply chains.
The SMETA audit process reviews important areas, including:
- labour standards
- workplace health and safety
- environmental management
- ethical business practices
These independent audits help ensure transparency, fair working conditions and responsible manufacturing practices.
Woolmark®
Yellow Earth works with manufacturers licensed to use the Woolmark® certification, one of the most recognised quality marks for wool worldwide.
The Woolmark logo represents strict standards for authentic wool fibre quality, durability and performance. It reflects the commitment between woolgrowers, manufacturers and brands to maintain the integrity and quality of wool products.
For customers, Woolmark provides reassurance that the wool used in our products meets globally recognised quality benchmarks.
ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management
Our tannery partners operate under the ISO 9001:2015 quality management system, an internationally recognised certification that ensures strong quality control and management processes.
This certification confirms that manufacturers maintain systems designed to consistently deliver reliable products that meet both customer expectations and regulatory standards.
ISO 9001 focuses on areas such as:
- consistent product quality
- customer satisfaction
- continuous improvement
- risk management
- employee involvement in achieving quality outcomes
These standards support the quality systems we maintain across both our factory operations and manufacturing partners.
Independent Testing with Intertek Laboratories
To further verify the safety and performance of our sheepskin products, we conduct regular testing through Intertek Laboratories, a globally recognised independent testing organisation.
These tests help ensure our products meet strict international safety standards. Chemical testing verifies that materials are free from harmful substances such as:
- pesticide residues
- formaldehyde
- heavy metals
- AZO dyestuffs
Independent laboratory testing provides an additional level of assurance that our sheepskins are safe, high quality and suitable for everyday use.
Ethical, Responsible and Made to Last
Sheepskin is one of nature’s most remarkable fibres. It is breathable, naturally insulating, durable and biodegradable. At Yellow Earth, we believe this incredible material deserves to be treated with care and respect throughout the entire production process.
The sheepskin used in our products is a natural by-product of the food industry. By transforming these hides into long-lasting products, we help ensure that more of this natural resource is used rather than wasted.
Through our own factory operations and long-standing relationships with trusted manufacturing partners, we work closely across the entire production process to maintain high standards for quality, safety and ethical production.
At the end of the day, we make products we are proud to offer — natural products designed for comfort, durability and everyday living.
They are products we are happy to have in our own homes and use with our own families for generations.