Quality Assurance

A formal quality assurance programme, Q Base, was implemented in 1998 and continues to this day. The Q-Base Code is based upon the ISO 9001 quality system standards. It requires the company to implement management disciplines to assure quality of products and services. We are independently audited annually by Telarc SAI, a Systems Certification Body by JAS-ANZ (Joint Accreditation System - Australia and New Zealand) and our performance against eight standards, including meeting customer needs, training, work instructions, continual improvements, are measured and tested. For more information on Q Base please go to www.telarc.co.nz

In the unlikely event there is a fault in the manufacturing of any part of an Ashford product purchased from an authorised Ashford dealer, we will replace that part if claimed within 12 months from the date of purchase. To register your purchase please click here.

The company’s philosophy is to respect nature, work ethically and ensure sustainability. Our focus on recycling, and reduced energy consumption and waste was recognized with a regional Clean Green Award. The factory has been designed and equipped to ensure healthy working conditions for the thirty loyal, dedicated and enthusiastic staff.

We purchase green sawn Silver Beech (Nothofagus Menziesii) hard wood directly from the saw mills. This timber is sourced from sustainably managed forests under the strict guidance of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). It has similar properties to America Maple and Cherry. The timber is naturally air dried for around 12 months before carefully completing the drying process in our dehumidifier kiln. This ensures the timber is stable and stress free. A very small amount of New Zealand pine (Pinus Radiata) and Kadamu (Myristica chartacea Gillespie) plywood is also used.

All Ashford fleece, sliver and yarns are from New Zealand sheep.  The wool is from sheep that have not been muleised. It is processed in New Zealand.

Ashford sliver is a 100% New Zealand product with wool from pasture-fed Merino or Corriedale sheep. We know many of the farmers – some of whom have farmed the land for generations. They take great pride in the quality of their wool and the high standard of animal husbandry. The sheep are well cared for and are not mulesed. 

After the sheep are shorn, on the farm, the wool is carefully skirted and checked. Only wool that is sound, clean with good fibre length, bulk and colour is selected. It is sent to boutique New Zealand mills to be dyed, carded and combed.

It is scoured (washed) by a standard aqueous treatment at 60-70 degrees, using an environmentally-friendly detergent called 6 mole BD50 . This detergent is biodegradable and breaks down quickly in the water leaving no residue. The wool is then dried and dyed. The dyes comply with the strict EU regulations and garments made from the sliver can be certified under the Oeko-Tex Standard 100. This standard is the most widely known standard for certification of ecologically-safe clothing. (Detailed information can be found at www.oekotex.com). The fibre is then gently opened and conditioned. Carding machines align the fibres and remove any foreign matter. It is then gilled and combed.

Safety Information

Crafts are gentle, enjoyable activities that allow us to express ourselves creatively and practicably while engendering a sense of peace and well-being. You need to be aware, however, of safety and health precautions that need to be taken when using some of our products.

Oeko Tex Standard 100 - Ashford dyes, if used correctly, are non-hazardous to humans. They are weak acid dyes that are fixed with only common white vinegar and heat. Fibre, yarn and textiles dyed with the Ashford dyes can be worn against the skin without risk. We are in close co-operation with all our suppliers of dyes to ensure they are safe to use and wear. The dyes comply with the strict EU regulations and the manufacturers confirm that cloth dyed with the Ashford dyes can be certified under the Oeko-Tex Standard 100. This standard is the most widely known standard for certification of ecologically-safe clothing. Detailed information can be found under www.oekotex.com. The dyes pose no risk the environment if the dye liquid is neutralized with baking soda before disposal in the waste water system. Full instructions for the safe use and disposal of the dyes are included with the dyes.

Ashford yarns are dyed using Oeko-Tex compliant dyes. The mills confirm that all dyes used to produce the Ashford ranges of yarn comply with the strict EU regulations and garments made from Ashford yarns can be certified under the Oeko-Tex Standard 100. This standard is the most widely known standard for certification of ecologically-safe clothing. Detailed information can be found under www.oekotex.com.