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 focused on our Climate+ strategy. The unified standard will let us track and communicate progress more efficiently and effectively across all of the fibers and materials in scope of our certification system, while increasing the value for participants. You can read a summary of the unified standard development in the project plan here.
HOW IT WORKS
Moving towards a more inclusive, outcome-focused system

Scope
Our focus area is fiber and material production.
We are 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.

Development
Interested and impacted stakeholder groups 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 are focusing on one IWG reviewing all of the related fibers and materials in scope for the unified standard and connecting to smaller subject matter expert groups that will inform its members.

SUMMARIES
Use our summaries to navigate the draft document
To help stakeholders review the standard Draft 2, we have written material-specific guidance that explains at a high level the main changes that have been drafted and provides highlights across different criteria categories. This information will support how to go through the draft document, as well as what to look for based on the relevant industry specifics.

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.