We are revolutionizing our standards system

In 2021, we began a sweeping revision of our standards framework with the aim of developing a harmonized system that incorporates outcomes aligned with our climate and nature strategy. Known as “the unified standard” during its development, the Materials Matter Standard was released with its official name for its pilot testing version. Bringing our standards under this framework will let us track and communicate progress more efficiently and effectively across all of the fibers and materials in the scope of our certification system, while increasing the value for participants. You can learn more about the development of the Materials Matter Standard in our project plan.

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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.

Standards are crucial to help us reach our climate and nature goals

Adopt best practices

Drive greater adoption of best practices in fiber and material production and sourcing, contributing to sustainability outcomes.

Positively impact our planet

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and improve the use and quality of water.

Support key impact areas

Encourage best practices in the key impact areas for animal welfare, human rights and livelihoods, chemical management, and waste reduction.

Scope

Our focus area is fiber and material production

Certified materials will be tracked through the supply chain with our pre-existing chain of custody standard, the Content Claim Standard (CCS). While the CCS continues to provide the mechanism for tracking and handling of the certified inputs through to the finished product, the Materials Matter Standard impact criteria focus on raw material production and initial processing.

 

Fabric scraps, old clothing and textiles are cut into strips waiting for recycle.
Development

We make decisions in collaboration with interested and impacted stakeholders

Alongside our own procedures for standard setting, accreditation, and certification, we also follow the ISEAL Codes of Good Practice. Our standards team is leading the revision process, with help from the International Working Group (IWG), which reviews, discusses, and guides decision-making. Previous IWGs have been established for single standards, but with this transition we are working with one IWG to review all the related fibers and materials in scope for the Materials Matter Standard, while connecting to smaller subject matter expert groups that inform its members.

Cotton plants.
International Working Group

IWG members

The International Working Group (IWG0 is the group of stakeholders actively engaged in the development or revision of a standard. IWG members are approved by a designated review committee. All IWG members are required to sign a charter (IWG charter) Indicating their commitment to the goals of the standard and the time need to be engaged in the process. Together with the Textile Exchange secretariat, the IWG reviews, discusses, and guides decision-making on how to incorporate scope topic areas in the standard. The IWG approves the draft versions of the standard before they are ready for public consultation as well as the final standard before it is published. 

Representation is limited to no more than 24 members that bring the following knowledge and perspectives.

Geography


EMEA – Europe, Middle East, and Africa
 

Americas – South, Central, and North America 

APAC – Asia Pacific/Oceania

Industry 


Raw material producers including farms

Supply chain companies

Brands and retailers

Certification bodies

Civil society 


Climate

Soil health

Biodiversity

Water resources

Animal welfare

Human rights

Communities and smallholders 

All International Working Group members

 

Andean Pastoral Livelihood Initiative (APLI) 

Aquafil S.p.A. 

Bureau Veritas CPS 

Inditex, S.A. 

Control Union Certification 

Donglong Home Textile Co., Ltd. 

Eastman Chemical Company 

FILASUR S.A. 

FOUR PAWS 

ISKO 

GEETANJALI WOOLLENS PVT LTD 

Kathmandu 

Lenzing 

LVMH 

Patagonia Inc. 

Soil Health Institute 

TAL Apparel Ltd. 

The Schneider Group 

The North Face 

USB Certification 

Verité, Inc. 

* It is important to note that IWG membership does not signify that each organization fully agrees on decisions taken for the final content in the standard.  IWG membership is intentionally designed to bring different perspectives together for open discussion and therefore is likely to result in diverse opinions.  Decisions are first taken by consensus but may move to vote when consensus is not reached.  As the entity ultimately responsible for the standard, Textile Exchange reserves the right to make final decisions regarding standard content and shall publicly disclose any decisions, including reasoning, that differ from the quorum of the IWG.