Cashmere comes from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats, known for its exceptional softness and warmth. The fibre is harvested by combing or shearing goats, primarily in regions such as Mongolia, China, Iran, and Afghanistan.

Cashmere goats are highly resilient animals, but their intensive grazing and hard hooves can contribute to land degradation and desertification, especially in fragile grassland areas, when not properly managed. Rising global demand has led to overstocking and increased pressure on ecosystems. Additionally, cashmere has a relatively low fibre yield per goat, making it a resource-intensive material.

While cashmere fibre is biodegradable and long-lasting, conventional supply chains often lack transparency. Ethical concerns remain regarding goat welfare and the livelihoods of herders, with limited visibility across many production lines.