The Materials Benchmark is an annual reporting system that collects data on raw materials along with key information on sourcing practices.

About

We've created a common framework for companies to report their progress in materials sourcing

 

The Materials Benchmark tracks raw material volumes over time, providing clear visibility into progress along preferred production system pathways and helping to drive beneficial environmental and social impacts. It also enables measurement of both individual and collective progress, supporting alignment with shared industry goals.

In 2026, the Materials Benchmark is open to both Textile Exchange members and non-members, including brands, retailers, and Tier 1–3 suppliers.  

From 2027 onward, reporting will be available exclusively to Textile Exchange members and will become mandatory for brands and retailers in the Action Cohort. Mandatory reporting requirements for Tier 1–3 suppliers will be introduced over a longer timeline.  

SPOTLIGHT

To explore aggregated data and trends from participating brands and retailers, we have compiled a factsheet that provides key insights into the state of the sector for 2025.

Discover the benefits of joining the Materials Benchmark

Prepare for 2027

Be ready for mandatory reporting requirements coming in 2027 as part of Textile Exchange’s new membership structure. 

Track your raw materials weights

Track your raw materials used, enabling year-on-year comparison. 

Build a stronger strategy

Develop a material strategy and identify improvement opportunities, aligning with preferred production system pathways. 

Support industry progress

Contribute to industry progress by reporting against shared goals.

 

 

Alignment with others

Enable and support the fulfilment of other voluntary and mandatory reporting requirements set by key stakeholders. 

How is the Materials Benchmark changing in 2026?

Volume reporting (Raw materials portfolio)

Reporting companies must now report volumes for material categories comprising the top ~80% of raw material volumes used by the reporting company for textile, clothing, leather, and footwear products.

Other questions

Other questions (outside of the volume reporting section) have been updated to better align with Textile Exchange’s preferred production system pathways, actions, and targets (forthcoming).

Results

Company rankings and benchmarking related to reported material volumes will be confidential and not public (there will be no public-facing Material Change Index in 2026).

Take part in the next Materials Benchmark cycle

Brands, retailers, and Tier 1–3 suppliers are all invited to begin their benchmarking journey.  

From 2027 onward, reporting will be open only to Textile Exchange members. It will become mandatory for brands and retailers in the Action Cohort, while remaining voluntary for Tier 13 suppliers. 

Join the Materials Benchmark community on the Hub

The Materials Benchmark community on the Hub is the place to post questions, consult all the resources, share best practices, and interact with the other participants.