Mongolia has more than 60 million herds, 171.6 thousand herding households and about 285.4 thousand herders. On average 10,000 tons of cashmere can be produced annually and MUNKH is a proud  manufacturer of the value-added final-end products, meaning the raw material sourced from the herder’s cooperatives with sustainable herding practices.

In recent years, the attitude of consumers in the international market changed significantly, they are more interested in whether they are produced with raw materials that are environmentally friendly, have a clear origin, are responsible, and have a traceability system.

As a manufacturer, we believe that the Responsible Nomad System management plays an important role in sustainability performance and we have the responsibility to influence our clients on being the advocates for best herding practices, on reducing the environmental impact, on securing the herders livelihoods, on improving the animal welfare, fair trade and sustainable chain of supply by working together with our suppliers to improve their sustainability performance.

1. Background of the Responsible Nomad System

The Responsible Nomad System was created to address several critical issues in the Mongolian cashmere sector, including environmental degradation, animal welfare, and the economic stability of nomadic herding communities. Mongolia is a significant player in global cashmere production, with around 40% of the world’s cashmere coming from its unique high-quality fibers. However, the rapid growth in cashmere demand has led to overgrazing, desertification, and a strain on resources.

The Responsible Nomad System is a certification and tracking mechanism that promotes sustainable practices throughout the supply chain. It enables buyers to verify that their cashmere is ethically sourced and to support sustainable herding practices directly.

2. Key Components of the Responsible Nomad System

Sustainable Herding Practices

• Environmentally Conscious Grazing: This component requires herders to manage grazing patterns to prevent land degradation. The program provides training in rotational grazing, ensuring vegetation can recover and minimizing desertification.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Herders are encouraged to protect local ecosystems, which includes maintaining balance with other native species and plants. Responsible grazing patterns support the overall health of Mongolia’s grasslands.
• Animal Welfare Standards: Cashmere goats are treated with humane practices, ensuring that the cashmere is harvested using non-invasive combing methods rather than shearing. This approach respects the well-being of the animals, which is critical to the ethos of the system.

Supply Chain Transparency

• Traceability Technology: Each batch of cashmere collected from our herders who work with us more than 10 years is given a unique digital identifier that remains with the fiber through every step in the production process. This identifier, often a QR code, ensures that buyers can trace the origins of the product back to the herder.
• Data Collection Points: The system has data checkpoints at each step: herding, collecting, processing, and manufacturing. Information gathered includes the herder’s identity, location, environmental practices, and processing methods used.
• Blockchain-Backed Tracking: Some companies employ blockchain technology for an immutable record, which enhances transparency and consumer trust.

Certification and Quality Assurance

• Third-Party Auditing: To ensure compliance, third-party auditors inspect herders, suppliers, and manufacturers, confirming adherence to the system’s standards. These audits ensure that herding, processing, and manufacturing practices align with environmental and ethical guidelines.
• Responsible Nomad Certification: MUNKH products that meet all the requirements are awarded the Responsible Nomad Certification, which assures buyers of the sustainable and ethical sourcing of their cashmere products.
• Product Labeling: Certified products are labeled with the Responsible Nomad mark and a unique code or QR code that allows consumers to track the product’s journey.

3. Benefits of the Responsible Nomad System for Buyers

Ethical Sourcing

• By purchasing products certified by the Responsible Nomad System, buyers support herders who practice ethical animal care and sustainable grazing, directly impacting the lives of nomadic communities in Mongolia.

Environmental Responsibility

• The Responsible Nomad System encourages environmentally sustainable practices. Buyers who choose certified cashmere contribute to the preservation of Mongolia’s grasslands and help reduce the negative environmental impacts associated with cashmere production.

High-Quality Product Assurance

• Certified products are often of higher quality since they’re sourced from well-cared-for animals and are processed under strict quality controls. Buyers receive a luxurious, durable product while knowing that their purchase supports the ethical production chain.

Consumer Trust and Transparency

• The traceability feature builds consumer trust by providing full transparency from the source to the finished product. Buyers can make an informed choice and feel confident in the ethical nature of their purchase.

The Responsible Nomad System is a revolutionary approach to cashmere production, one that not only safeguards the environment but also supports Mongolian herding communities. By incorporating digital traceability and certification, this system empowers buyers to make ethical decisions and invest in products that promote sustainability and social responsibility.

Ultimately, the Responsible Nomad System is transforming the cashmere market, creating a standard that values ethical practices, quality, and transparency, making it easier for buyers to connect with the origin of their products and support responsible production practices.

— Article by Temuge Batsuuri