We’re revolutionizing our standards system.

In July 2021, we began a sweeping revision of our standards framework with the aim of developing a single, more outcome-focused standard that incorporates our Climate+ strategy. The unified standard will let us track progress more efficiently and effectively while increasing the value of our existing certification system.

Standards are crucial to help us reach our Climate+ goals.

Adopt Best Practices

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

Positively Impact Our Planet

Reduce GHG emissions, improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and improve the use 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.

HOW IT WORKS

Moving towards a more inclusive, outcome-focused system.

  • Hybrid approach

    To make sure we’re achieving our desired outcomes, we’re planning to move to a hybrid approach that combines traditional, practice-based requirements with a more outcome-focused approach. 
  • Animal welfare

    We’re reviewing best practices for the treatment of animals and how their role in agricultural systems can bring positive impacts.
  • Supply chain best practice

    We’re aiming to drive meaningful change in human rights, chemical management, and waste reduction. 
  • New fiber and material types

    We’re exploring how we can expand our standards by including new animal-based fibers, biosynthetic feedstocks, and forest-derived materials, such as man-made cellulosic fibers.   
  • Innovative material alternatives

    We’re looking at adding biosynthetics and assessing eligibility requirements for recycled inputs.
  • Simplify and strengthen industry standards

    We’re exploring an approach that would recognize other industry initiatives in line with the outcomes identified in our standard. 
Scope

Our focus area is fiber and material production.

We’re also interested in seeing how we can link facility-level certification and/or practices with our chain of custody. Chain of custody through our Content Claim Standard will remain from source to end product, with the brand being the last organization along the supply chain requiring certification.

Chain of Custody

 

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

Stakeholders across the industry influence our decision-making.

We follow the ISEAL Codes of Good Practice, in addition to our own procedures for standard setting, accreditation, and certification. Our standards team is leading the revision process with the help of an International Working Group (IWG), which reviews, discusses, and guides decision-making. Previous IWGs have been established for single standards, but with this transition we’re focusing on one, connected to smaller subject matter expert groups that will inform its members.

Cotton plants.
Timeline

Track our progress

We’re expecting our new standard system to be released in Q4 of 2023 (subject to change), following a thorough multi-stakeholder review process.

 

Alpaca wool.
Resources

Learn more about the standards transition