The Action Cohort, which outlines specific steps for brands, retailers, and raw material producers, is one of two cohorts introduced by Textile Exchange as part of its action-oriented membership announced in November 2025.
The second cohort, the Community Cohort, is intended for organisations not directly involved in raw material production or sourcing.
Step one: Textile Exchange will require Action Cohort members to begin by reporting data related to materials sourcing or production.
Reporting remains voluntary for 2026 but becomes mandatory in 2027 for brands and retailers. Other organisations across various tiers will see mandatory reporting introduced on a longer timeline.
Members currently engaged with Textile Exchange’s Materials Benchmark will continue as before under this initial step.
Step two: Action Cohort members are expected to increase the proportion of sourcing from verified preferred production systems. Verification will be based on recognised standards and third-party assurance schemes.
Key focus areas include:
- Pesticide and fertiliser use,
- Deforestation and conversion,
- Animal welfare,
- Textile-to-textile recycling,
- Human rights and livelihoods,
- Overall certified or verified sourcing.
Textile Exchange will support members in setting targets aligned to industry aggregate goals; target-setting becomes compulsory for brands and retailers in 2027, with suppliers and producers to follow at a later stage.
Step three: Textile Exchange plans to accelerate collective action towards system transformation by facilitating working groups involving brands, retailers, suppliers, and producers who demonstrate leadership in progressing towards credible change within the industry.
Textile Exchange chief engagement and partnerships officer Sarah Needham said: “By introducing a clear pathway for our new Action Cohort, we give both those who source materials and those who produce them the structure and confidence to accelerate their impact and help transform our industry.
“We know the ambition and appetite for change is there. This new approach clearly sets out how we move forward, concretising the steps needed to accelerate the shift to preferred production systems, and supporting organisations in driving lasting impact.”
How membership works in practice
Textile Exchange membership provides a variety of resources and tools for organisations at different stages. Community Cohort members can access Textile Exchange’s reports and research, which offer insights into material production, sustainability developments, and industry trends. They can also connect with peers through the members-only online forum, The Hub, attend member-exclusive events, and receive discounted rates for the Textile Exchange conference and other gatherings.
Action Cohort members receive these benefits as well as expert guidance and practical support to improve sourcing or production of responsible materials.
