Animal Welfare

Our purchasing policy at Fellhof is rooted in a commitment to the responsible sourcing of our sheepskin, cowhide and alpaca products. During procurement, we ensure that all legal animal welfare regulations are strictly followed. In addition, we are guided by the internationally recognised “Five Freedoms” of animal welfare:

The principles of animal welfare are based on five essential freedoms: access to fresh water and nutritious food, a comfortable living environment, protection from pain and disease, sufficient space to express natural behaviours, and conditions that prevent fear and distress.

• Freedom from hunger and thirst
• Freedom from discomfort
• Freedom from pain, injury and disease
• Freedom to express normal behaviour
• Freedom from fear and distress

We exclusively offer products that are free from real fur and have been a member of the Fur Free Retailer programme since 2024. This initiative, led by major animal and wildlife protection organisations, lists companies that do not sell real fur. Fur refers specifically to animal skin with hair from animals killed primarily for their pelts. The following materials are therefore not considered fur:

• Hides that are processed into leather and from which all hair has been completely removed
• Wool or similar materials that are trimmed, shorn, or combed – including sheepskin
• Leather or hides from animals typically used for leather, such as hair-on cowhide
• Synthetic materials that imitate the appearance of real fur

Our commitment to the highest standards in sourcing and processing sheepskin, cowhide and alpaca hides is based on clear principles of traceability and animal welfare. We expect our suppliers to ensure complete traceability of hides back to the tannery – and are continuously working to extend this transparency all the way to the origin of animal husbandry.

We set strict requirements for our suppliers and their upstream partners when it comes to animal welfare. These standards are regularly monitored to ensure compliance. During transport and processing, our partners are required to fully comply with all legal regulations to guarantee the highest levels of animal protection.

For all leather and hide products, we are committed to achieving full traceability back to the origin of the animal. To make environmental and welfare standards transparent and verifiable, all participating tanneries must provide certifications such as those issued by the Leather Working Group (LWG) or equivalent.

Our sourcing guidelines and goals:

• Increase the number of suppliers who demonstrably exceed legal animal welfare standards
• Define clear requirements, inspections and support for humane animal care throughout the supply chain
• Require full legal compliance from all partners during transport and processing
• Strive for complete traceability of leather and hides back to the farm of origin, with certified tanneries (e.g. LWG)

Where Do Fellhof Sheepskins Come From?

Our sheepskins primarily come from sheep farms in New Zealand and Australia and are a natural by-product of the meat industry. Depending on the product category, some sheepskins are also sourced from Spain, Portugal, Iceland and Turkey.

We’re often asked why we don’t use lamb or sheepskins from Austria or Germany. There are over 200 sheep breeds worldwide – each with unique characteristics used for wool, milk, meat or hide. The answer lies in our commitment to quality: for the soft, cuddly texture that’s especially important in baby products, Merino sheepskins from Australia and New Zealand are simply the best choice.

What Makes Merino the Best? 

Merino sheep are known for their fine, dense wool and exceptionally soft hides. Other breeds, such as mountain sheep from the Alps, produce more robust hides, but they can’t match the same level of softness.

The reason lies in climate: harsh alpine conditions result in firmer wool structures, while the milder weather of the Pacific region encourages softer, more supple fibres. It’s much like the needles of conifer trees – those growing in Alpine or Nordic climates are thicker and tougher than their softer southern counterparts.

At Fellhof, we hold our sheepskins to the highest standards. Only the softest, most premium-quality hides meet our requirements. These are found in abundance in Merino sheep from Australia and New Zealand – and our decision to source them is a clear commitment to quality, not a compromise. We believe our customers deserve nothing but the best.

Are Animals Bred Specifically for Their Hides?

No – our sheepskins are a natural by-product of the meat industry. The animals are not bred or slaughtered for their hides.

Our suppliers source hides exclusively from animals used in the food industry, where high standards for both quality and animal welfare apply. The farms and facilities we work with are subject to strict regulations for humane husbandry and are committed to upholding these principles. This ensures that our products not only meet the highest standards of quality but also reflect responsible, welfare-conscious livestock practices.

Are Fellhof Sheepskins and Merino Wool Mulesing-Free?

Yes – all our sheepskins and Merino wool come from 100% mulesing-free sources. We explicitly exclude mulesing from all our wool and sheepskin products and require full supply chain transparency down to the individual farms.

To guarantee this, our suppliers must provide certification confirming mulesing-free practices. In New Zealand – where many of our sheepskins originate – mulesing has been legally banned since 1 October 2018.

These measures ensure our products are sourced in line with the highest animal welfare standards.

How Sustainable Are Sheepskin Products?

Sheepskin is a natural material. Thanks to its durability, it offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic fabrics.

Where Do Fellhof’s Cowhides Come From?

Our premium cowhides come from Brazil. These hides are a by-product of the beef industry, where leather and other materials are processed to make the most of available resources. Particularly beautiful hides are hand-selected for sale, chosen not only for their unique patterns but also for their exceptional quality. Cowhides are also known for their remarkable durability.

LWG Certification: Strict Standards & Sustainable Production

We require our cowhide and bullhide producers to be certified according to the strict standards of the Leather Working Group (LWG). This internationally recognised organisation is committed to promoting sustainable and responsible leather production. Through rigorous audits and comprehensive evaluation, the LWG ensures greater transparency, environmental responsibility, and social accountability throughout the supply chain. Certification guarantees that our producers operate resource-efficiently while upholding high ethical and ecological standards.

Our tanning process follows environmentally friendly standards and is carried out under strict supervision. This ensures that our hides are not only long-lasting but also processed in an ecologically responsible way. Learn more about tanning agents, methods, and medical-grade tanning here.