Wedoany.com Report-Dec.13, Textile Exchange has introduced the Materials Matter Standard, a new certification framework designed to unify and enhance verification of environmental and social impacts in textile materials.

The criteria advance the organisation's move to a unified standards system for raw material production and primary processing.

Development of the standard commenced in 2021. It is scheduled to take effect on December 31, 2026, with mandatory certification required from December 31, 2027. During the interim period, entities may continue applying existing Textile Exchange standards to ensure a smooth changeover.

The initial version encompasses materials formerly covered under the Responsible Animal Fiber framework, including wool, alpaca, and mohair, as well as recycled content addressed by the Global Recycled Standard and Recycled Claims Standard.

Organic cotton remains integral to the organization's certification portfolio. The Organic Content Standard will integrate into the Materials Matter System via a structured phased approach.

The standard aims to harmonize requirements and outcomes across individual material categories, establishing a consistent, evidence-based method for assessing and confirming impacts.

Textile Exchange collaborated extensively with supply chain participants, encompassing brands, retailers, suppliers, producers, non-governmental organizations, and specialists through an International Working Group.

Refinements drew from two public consultation drafts and pilot implementations in locations such as Peru and Italy, while adhering to the ISEAL Code of Good Practice for Sustainability Systems.

Core criteria address land management, animal welfare, human rights and community support, along with primary processing aspects involving water usage, chemical handling, energy consumption, waste control, and emissions oversight.

This structure ties certification more closely to verifiable results concerning climate, biodiversity, human well-being, and animal care.

Textile Exchange CEO Claire Bergkamp said: "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. By aligning expectations and outcomes across the industry, this standard accelerates progress toward climate and nature goals and ensures that sustainability becomes a shared responsibility."

Future expansions envision partnerships with aligned initiatives focused on climate and nature objectives. Potential inclusions involve cotton from preferred production methods and man-made cellulosic fibers.

To support clear communication of certification under the new framework, Textile Exchange released a Materials Matter Claims and Labelling Policy. This guidance assists brands in accurately representing their compliance status.

The organization will maintain assistance for certified operations through supplementary policies, detailed instructions, and joint testing of procedures throughout the transition.

In a related update last month, Textile Exchange revealed plans to revise its membership framework, adopting a two-tier structure to better aid participants in addressing climate and nature challenges within the textile industry.