IWTO Welcomes HUGO BOSS as New Member

The International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) is delighted to welcome HUGO BOSS to its membership. The addition of this premium fashion leader reinforces IWTO’s growing influence across the wool textile pipeline and underscores the organization’s commitment to building a sustainable future for the global wool industry.

With this addition, IWTO continues to strengthen its position as the global authority for standards in the wool textile industry. Since 1930, IWTO has represented the collective interests of the global wool trade, and today encompasses 41 members across 28 countries, spanning all stages of the wool textile pipeline from farm to retail.

HUGO BOSS: Premium Fashion Leader Committed to Responsible Sourcing

HUGO BOSS, one of the world’s leading premium apparel companies, brings significant brand experience to IWTO membership. Based in Metzingen, Germany, the company operates globally with its BOSS and HUGO brands, reaching 129 countries through more than 8,000 points of sale and employing over 18,500 people worldwide and EUR 4.3 billion in sales for fiscal year 2024. HUGO BOSS demonstrates strong commitment to animal welfare and environmental responsibility in its procurement practices.

Through its Animal Welfare Policy, HUGO BOSS sets clear requirements for responsible wool procurement, working alongside initiatives such as IWTO, The New Zealand Merino Company, and Responsible Wool Standard to continuously increase its share of responsibly sourced materials.

The Importance of IWTO Membership

IWTO membership provides companies with access to a global network of industry leaders, official market intelligence data, and opportunities to participate in shaping the future of the wool industry. Through active participation in IWTO’s working groups and events, members contribute to:

• Sustainability Initiatives: Advancing wool’s environmental credentials through research, life cycle assessments, and product environmental footprint studies
• Industry Standards: Developing and updating specifications, test methods, and trading regulations that form the basis for global wool trade
• Knowledge Sharing: Connecting with wool professionals worldwide through IWTO’s annual Congress and Wool Round Table events
• Market Intelligence: Accessing authoritative data on global wool production, trade flows, and industry trends
• Collaborative Projects: Participating in initiatives that position wool as a natural, renewable, and high-quality material for sustainable fashion

A Sustainable Future for Wool

New memberships like this one underscore the growing recognition of wool as a premium, sustainable fibre for the future. As IWTO continues to unite the global wool industry from farm to retail, the addition of premium brands, innovative auxiliary suppliers, and forward-thinking processors strengthens the organization’s collective voice in promoting wool’s unique qualities: natural, renewable, biodegradable, and beneficial for both human wellness and environmental sustainability.

IWTO Secretary General Dalena White welcomes the new member: “We are delighted to welcome HUGO BOSS to IWTO. Their commitment to sustainability, innovation, and responsible practices aligns perfectly with our mission to ensure a sustainable future for the global wool industry. Together, we will continue to advance wool’s position as a fibre of choice in an increasingly environmentally conscious market.”

👉 Join the Global Wool Community

Is your organization interested in becoming part of the world’s leading network for wool industry professionals? IWTO membership is open to companies and organizations across all stages of the wool textile pipeline—from growers and processors to manufacturers, retailers, and research institutions.

Discover more about membership here or contact iwto@iwto.org.  Subscribe to our newsletter for bimonthly updates on wool markets, sustainability research, and global policy developments.