Preferred Fiber/Material (PFM)

Textile Exchange describes “Preferred” as a fiber, material or product that is ecologically and/or socially progressive. One that has been selected because it has more sustainable properties in comparison to other options. Note: social includes both human and animal welfare.

Ways to recognize or achieve a preferred status include:

• The fiber or material has a recognized industry standard in place that confirms its status as preferred, and can be traced through the supply chain to final product.
• The fiber or material has sustainability criteria developed through a formalized multi-stakeholder initiative. An industry initiative provides a platform for stakeholders to get involved, collaborate, and commit to take action over a specific sustainability issue.
• The fiber or material has a code of conduct that outlines the principles and guidelines a company commits to following. A company may work with suppliers, contractors and associates to develop a code of conduct that is in line with its’ commitment to corporate behavior.
• The fiber or material has been objectively tested or verified as having sustainability attributes, such as through a peer reviewed Life Cycle Assessment.