Cashmere

Revered for centuries as a symbol of luxury, cashmere is an exceptionally soft and warm natural fiber. However, the soaring global demand for cashmere has created a crisis of overgrazing and desertification in the Gobi Desert.

The environmental impact of cashmere is a significant concern due to overgrazing, which leads to land degradation and threatens native biodiversity. The social and ethical impact is also critical, as the livelihoods of herders are often squeezed by market demands.

The most effective way to ensure a responsible supply chain is through robust certifications. We prioritize cashmere certified by The Good Cashmere Standard® (GCS) and the Sustainable Fibre Alliance (SFA), which guarantee animal welfare, environmental protection, and fair herder livelihoods. We also champion recycled cashmere, which reduces the demand for new fiber and closes the loop on a valuable material.

At Circular People, we approve of well-sourced cashmere. We believe in supporting practices that restore the land and protect the livelihoods of the herders. We choose brands that prioritize traceability and transparency and use the GCS and SFA certifications to confirm the ethical treatment of animals and the land. Cashmere is a highly circular fiber, exceptionally durable, fully biodegradable, and can be recycled into new yarn, preserving its value and minimizing waste.

Check out our Field Log for a deeper dive into this fiber.

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