Sheepskin Sourcing
At FLATOUTbear, we believe in being transparent about where our sheepskin comes from and how it is sourced.
Sheepskin is a natural by-product of the meat industry.
Our sheepskins are not produced solely for their hides. They are sourced as a by-product of the Australian meat industry, meaning the skins are only available when animals are already being processed for the meat industry. Using sheepskin helps ensure this natural material is valued rather than wasted.
Australian sheep are raised under strong welfare standards.
In Australia, the vast majority of sheep and lambs spend their lives outdoors and are pasture-raised. Animal welfare is governed by a strict, mandatory national welfare code, supported by clear regulations and oversight.
Australia also has one of the world’s most advanced livestock identification and traceability systems, allowing sheep and lambs to be digitally tracked throughout their entire lives. This provides a high level of transparency and accountability across the supply chain.
Locally sourced across Australia.
We work with our supplier that sources our sheepskins from abattoirs across Australia, including locations in Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Western Australia.
By sourcing locally, we support Australian industries while maintaining consistent quality, traceability and welfare standards.
Certifications & Standards
We work closely with our suppliers to ensure our sheepskin meets recognised animal welfare, ethical sourcing and environmental standards.
Certified sourcing and industry oversight
All of our sheepskins are sourced from abattoirs certified under the Australian Animal Welfare Certification Scheme (AAWCS), which specifically applies to abattoir operations. This certification supports animal welfare standards at the processing stage.
Our Australian sheepskin supplier is also a member of the Australian Hide, Skin & Leather Exporters Association (AHSLES). Through this membership, their operations and supply chain are subject to regular audits to support ongoing compliance with animal welfare, ethical sourcing and sustainability requirements.
Responsible tanning and environmental practices
Our sheepskins are tanned at a dedicated tannery in China that complies with environmental regulations and best-practice standards. The facility operates its own on-site water treatment system, allowing water used during the tanning process to be treated, recycled and reused.
Traceability and transparency
Traceability is an important part of our supply chain. Each batch of sheepskin processed at the tannery is traceable — from the finished product back to the specific shipment, supplying abattoir and region of origin. This system supports transparency and accountability throughout the process.
Animal Welfare
Animal welfare is fundamental to how we source our sheepskin.
We ensure humane treatment of animals by sourcing sheepskins only from suppliers certified under the Australian Animal Welfare Certification Scheme (AAWSCS). This certification requires compliance with the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines, which set clear expectations for animal care and handling.
All of our suppliers are required to maintain this certification, and compliance is independently audited and monitored to ensure ongoing adherence to animal welfare requirements throughout the supply chain.
