Zentera Wool Company has announced a new multi-year partnership with Kathmandu, with ZQ+ merino to feature in the brand’s Autumn Winter 2027 collection.
ZQ certified wool is the world’s leading ethical wool standard, developed by Zentera Wool Company twenty years ago.
From Autumn Winter 2027, Kathmandu's merino range will incorporate ZQ+ certified wool, a premium fibre that's traceable back to farm and grown using regenerative practices, giving customers visibility into where their gear comes from.
Zentera CEO Angus Street said the new partnership highlighted the growing demand for ZQ-certified and ZQ+ merino in the global apparel market, uniting great outdoor brands that are committed to regenerative farming.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Kathmandu. They’re a purpose-driven brand that values quality, performance, and like our other brand partners and us, want to make a positive impact for people and the planet,” said Street.
“It’s great to see ZQ+ merino finding a place in Kathmandu's collection next year. It speaks to the quality of our fibre, the importance of its provenance and the growing demand for high performing ZQ certified fibre, that is regeneratively grown in New Zealand.”
Street added that the Kathmandu team had spent time on a farm, meeting with growers and learning about the systems and care that underpin ZQ+ wool production.
Kathmandu CEO Megan Welch said the partnership was based on shared values for quality, performance and connection to place.
“Partnering with Zentera and its ZQ+ growers allows us to use natural fibres that perform in the outdoors, with greater confidence in where and how they’re produced,” she said.
“As a proud B Corp, we’re committed to improving how our products are made and giving customers greater transparency. Partnering with Zentera and its ZQ+ growers helps us deliver high-performing natural fibres with clear provenance from farm through to finished product.”
Kathmandu’s Autumn Winter 2027 merino baselayer range will use ZQ+ certified wool and be available online and in stores from May 2027.
