The 2026 Cashmere Connect event was successfully convened, bringing together key actors across Mongolia’s certified cashmere value chain to strengthen market linkages, transparency, and responsible sourcing practices.
Designed as a targeted matchmaking platform, the event connected herder cooperatives participating in the Sustainable Fibre Alliance (SFA) certified supply chain with SFA member processing companies, buyers, and independent Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs). The format enabled structured, short-format business meetings focused on partnership development and market access.
Participation & Reach
- 36 herder cooperatives (44 representatives)
- 11 processing companies (19 representatives)
- 2 accredited Conformity Assessment Bodies (6 representatives)
- Over 70 total sector professionals
This cross-sector engagement reinforces collaboration between producers and market actors, strengthening inclusive supply chains that support sustainable livelihoods and environmental stewardship.
Strengthening Systems & Transparency
During the event, SFA Mongolia presented its 2025 operational results, highlighting measurable progress in cooperative engagement, certification uptake, and capacity development initiatives.
A key milestone shared with participants was the rollout of SFA Threads, a new digital traceability and monitoring system developed on the ChainPoint platform. The system:
- Records the origin and movement of certified cashmere
- Enables integrated data exchange across supply chain actors
- Enhances transparency and accountability
- Builds market confidence in certified fibre
The implementation of SFA Threads represents a significant step toward a scalable, technology-enabled traceability infrastructure aligned with international due diligence expectations.
Capacity Building & Digital Inclusion
Under the Herder Connect initiative, SFA introduced the Malchin (Herder) mobile application – a comprehensive digital platform providing:
- Access to SFA standards training
- Capacity-building modules
- Advisory services and technical guidance
- Direct communication and information exchange
This tool strengthens knowledge transfer, improves compliance readiness, and enhances digital inclusion for rural producers.
Advancing Independent Verification
Two accredited CABs – SFCS LLC and Nexus Connect LLC – participated in the event, providing professional guidance on certification processes. During the event, third-party conformity certificates under the SFA Animal Fibre Standard were formally awarded to three cooperatives, reinforcing independent verification and credibility within the supply chain.
Forward Outlook
The SFA will continue to develop Cashmere Connect as a strategic platform to deepen responsible sourcing relationships, expand certified supply, and strengthen transparent, market-based incentives for sustainable rangeland management.
The event demonstrates tangible progress toward:
- Supporting climate-resilient pastoral livelihoods
- Strengthening responsible global supply chains
- Building digital and institutional infrastructure for traceability
- Enhancing market trust through independent verification
We extend our sincere appreciation to all partners and stakeholders whose collaboration makes this progress possible.
Translated by Tamir Bud
SFA COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
12 February 2026
Originally posted on 12 February 2026: https://sustainablefibre.mn/cashmere-connect-event-2026/