Textile Exchange To Launch New Standard In December
Textile Exchange has announced that it will release the final criteria for its Materials Matter Standard on December 12, 2025, following approval by the International Working Group (IWG).
The Materials Matter Standard is a voluntary sustainability framework aimed at promoting responsible production and initial processing of raw materials across various supply chain settings from farms to recycling centers. It is designed to drive positive outcomes for climate, biodiversity, soil health, water, human rights, and animal welfare.
The criteria, approved by a diverse IWG comprising brands, producers, and civil society representatives, set clear requirements for raw material producers to achieve certification. An accompanying Claims and Labeling Policy will outline how certified organizations can communicate and label their products under the new standard.
Rooted in Textile Exchange’s existing standards, the Materials Matter framework reflects the organization’s updated mission: transforming how materials are produced, chosen, and reused to benefit people and ecosystems at the source.
The standard will officially take effect in 2026, with existing certified organizations able to request audits from approved bodies. Certification to the new standard will become mandatory in 2027, and full details on effective and transition dates will be shared alongside the criteria launch in December.
Until then, current Textile Exchange standards remain in place. A phased transition plan and continued support for brands and suppliers will ensure a smooth shift to the new system, with additional consultations planned for related policies in the coming months.
