What is the implementation timeline for these changes?

Following the release of the first two drafts, Textile Exchange published the Pilot Version 1.0 of the Materials Matter Standard on June 4, 2024. This version of the standard is be used for pilot testing feasibility of the criteria in the field. We will conduct full internal systems update to align with the new standard and update pre-existing documents to reflect the harmonized system. This will also provide the necessary implementation planning time for all stakeholders before the effective version of the standard is released.

Following pilot testing and system updates taking place in 2024 and 2025, the final standard will be published in 2025. The final standard will state both an effective date and a mandatory date. The effective date is planned for 2026 which means that auditing and certification may begin voluntarily when requested from approved certification bodies. The mandatory date will be no sooner than 12 months following the final standard publication date according to our standard-setting procedure. The mandatory date is planned for 2027 and means that all applicable audits from that date onwards are required to be to the new standard. Existing standards superseded by the Materials Matter Standard will be retired on a transition timeline.