December 12, 2025 Textile Exchange takes first step in transition to unified standard

Textile Exchange has published the final criteria for its new Materials Matter Standard, aiming to connect certification to measurable impact. The standard will replace existing programs and form the foundation of a more unified, outcome-based system.

Textile Exchange has released the final criteria for its Materials Matter Standard – a significant step in its multi-year transition to a unified standards system focused on the impact of raw material production and primary processing.

The nonprofit has developed sustainability standards for over two decades, with more than 90,000 certified sites worldwide under programs like the Global Recycled Standard and Responsible Wool Standard. The new criteria aim to connect such certifications to measurable outcomes across climate, nature, people, and animals.

Textile Exchange began developing the Materials Matter framework in 2021. Its aim: to align ambition, scientific rigor, and expectations across its material-specific standards into a more coherent and science-aligned way to verify impact.

“The Materials Matter Standard is more than a certification; it’s a commitment to driving measurable impact at the very start of the supply system,” said Claire Bergkamp, CEO of Textile Exchange.

Stakeholder-led design and global pilot testing

Since its inception, the standard has been shaped in collaboration with supply system stakeholders, including producers, brands, retailers, NGOs, and technical experts. The resulting framework blends practice-based and outcome-based criteria spanning land management, animal welfare, human rights, livelihoods, and processing impacts like water and chemical use, emissions, and waste.

Two rounds of public consultation and pilot testing – from Peru to Italy – helped refine the framework. Alignment with the ISEAL Code of Good Practice was a guiding principle throughout the process.

The first version of the standard covers wool, alpaca, mohair, and recycled materials currently addressed by the Global Recycled Standard and Recycled Claim Standard. A transition pathway has also been outlined for the Organic Content Standard (OCS), ensuring organic cotton remains central within a more farmer-centered approach.

Streamlining for scale and reducing duplication

In the coming years, Textile Exchange plans to scale the standard through collaboration with other credible programs that align with shared goals. This includes future pathways for cotton produced under preferred systems and for man-made cellulosic fibers. By consolidating efforts under a single system, the organization hopes to ease the burden on suppliers and facilitate access for brands seeking impact-verified materials.

“The Materials Matter System strengthens integrity, reduces complexity, and connects best practices to real outcomes,” said Ashley Gill, Chief Standards and Strategy Officer.

“By consolidating our existing standards into one system, we’re creating a clearer, more scalable pathway to systemic change across the textile and apparel industry.”

The standard becomes effective on December 31, 2026, and will be mandatory from December 31, 2027. Textile Exchange’s existing standards will remain active until then to ensure a smooth global transition.

Claims, transparency and industry-wide accountability

The new Materials Matter Claims and Labeling Policy was also released alongside the criteria. It will guide brands in accurately communicating certification status while safeguarding consumer trust.

Together, these documents form a transparent framework to substantiate environmental and social claims. Textile Exchange will continue supporting certification rollout with detailed guidance and pilot initiatives in the months ahead.

With this launch, Textile Exchange takes a major step toward realizing its vision: a world where materials have lasting value, leading to thriving communities and landscapes.

Lead image: Unsplash