Textile Exchange follows the ISEAL Codes of Good Practice for standard-setting bodies to ensure we have a robust and transparent processes for our standards.
Our highest priorities are to include all parties that may be affected by the standard, and to create a tool that balances strict requirements with realistic and auditable criteria. The development of all Textile Exchange standards is done through an international working group (IWG), representing the full spectrum of interested parties, including animal welfare groups, brands, farmers, supply chain members, industry associations, as well as brands and retailers.
The document ASR-102 Textile Exchange Standard Setting Procedures defines the process for developing and revising standards. An International Working Group (IWG), which is responsible for decision making in the standards development process, is formed with the defined terms of reference and representatives from the following sectors:
All Textile Exchange standards are reviewed at least once every five years to ensure that they remain relevant, reflect best practices, and achieve the desired impacts.
Alongside the revision of each standard, the applicable supporting documents are typically reviewed. This may include the Certification Procedures, Implementation Manual, User Manuals, Farmer Guidebooks, and Logo Use and Claims Guide.
Beginning in 2019, standing IWGs are in place for some Textile Exchange standards in order to provide ongoing guidance to Textile Exchange staff.
To join an IWG or to provide feedback on a standard or document which is not currently under revision, please contact us directly.
The following is a schedule of revisions for standards. Click the link to visit the page for current development/revisions.
| Standard | Current Version | Schedule of Revision/Development |
|---|---|---|
| Content Claim Standard (CCS) | 2.0, 1 January 2016 | In progress: 3.0 revision underway |
| Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS) | 1.0, April 2021 | 2024 |
| Recycled Content Standard (RCS) | 2.0, 1 January 2017 | Revision launching April 2021 |
| Global Recycled Standard (GRS) | 4.0, 1 January 2017 | Revision launching April 2021 |
| Responsible Down Standard (RDS) | 3.0, 1 July 2019 | 2023 |
| Organic Content Standard (OCS) | 3.0, 1 March 2020 | 2024 |
| Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) | 2.0, 17 March 2020 | 2024 |
| Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS) | 1.0, 17 March 2020 | 2024 |
The following is a schedule of revisions for Textile Exchange policies and other documents which will include a public consultation.
| Document | Current Version | Schedule of Revision/Development |
|---|---|---|
| ASR-101 Accreditation and Certification Procedures for Textile Exchange Standards |
2.0, 1 October 2019 Summary of responses to public consultation |
2023 |
| ASR-102 Textile Exchange Standard Setting Procedures | 2.0, 28 September 2018 | 2022 |
| Standards Claims Policy (Logo Use and Claims Guide) | 1.0, 1 November 2020 | 2021 (revised annually) |
Textile Exchange has prepared the following reports regarding our systems:
Textile Exchange is ISEAL Code Compliant. Our system has been independently evaluated against ISEAL’s Codes of Good Practice––a globally recognized framework for effective, credible sustainability systems. More information at isealalliance.org.
