The Materials Matter Standard is a voluntary sustainability standard for the production and initial processing of raw materials

Known as “the unified standard” during its development, the Materials Matter Standard aligns the fashion, textile, and apparel industry on a shared trajectory by establishing what best practice looks like for different materials in various settings, from farms to recycling facilities.

Ultimately, its goal is to incentivize a system in which the materials in our clothing and textiles support the climate, respect human rights and animal welfare, and drive beneficial outcomes for soil health, water, and biodiversity.

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Explore the pilot criteria

Following invaluable feedback from stakeholders, the Materials Matter Standard Pilot Version V1.0 was released publicly on June 4, 2024. This version will be used for pilot testing the feasibility of the criteria in the field and is not effective, meaning it is not possible for companies to get certified to this version.

Mapping

Compare old and new standards criteria

To support certified organizations in navigating the transition to the Materials Matter Standard, we have developed a comprehensive spreadsheet mapping its criteria to our current standards. This tool is designed to provide clarity and guidance, helping organizations understand how the standard aligns with and differs from those that they are accustomed to.

TIMELINE

We are currently piloting the standard around the globe to test the criteria and gather useful feedback

The journey towards creating the Materials Matter Standard began with the approval of the public project plan by an International Working Group in 2021. During the development process, two drafts of the standard were made available for public consultation from May to July and October to November 2023.

2024 was focused on pilot testing, the preparation of supplementary documentation, and outreach events to raise awareness among users of our standards. 

In 2025, the criteria for the new Materials Matter Standard were approved by the International Working Group and they will be launched on December 12, 2025.  

From the effective date in 2026, certified organizations can request audits by approved certification bodies.  

The mandatory date is expected to be in 2027, and organizations must complete their next audit to the new standard to maintain their certification from that date onwards.     

LEARN MORE

Read the quick guide to the Materials Matter Standard Pilot Version 1.0.

Download our quick guide to learn more about to the pilot version of the Material Matter Standard, and Textile Exchange’s transition to a unified standards system. 

Since this document was first published, the criteria for the new Materials Matter Standard were approved by the International Working Group and they will be launched on December 12, 2025.  Please find more information about this here