Development of the new standard started in 2021 and is slated to become effective on 31 December 2026.
Certification will become mandatory from 31 December 2027. Until then, organisations could continue using the current Textile Exchange standards to support a seamless transition.
The first Materials Matter Standard covers materials previously included in the Responsible Animal Fiber framework such as wool, alpaca, and mohair as well as recycled materials under the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and Recycled Claims Standard (RCS).
Textile Exchange stated that organic cotton will remain a core component of its standards, with the Organic Content Standard set to be incorporated into the Materials Matter System through a phased transition process.
The new standard was created with the objective of aligning expectations and results across material-specific standards and creating a “more coherent, science-aligned way” to measure and verify environmental and social impacts.
The organisation partnered with stakeholders from across the supply chain, including brands, retailers, suppliers, producers, NGOs, and technical experts via an International Working Group.
Two consultation drafts and a pilot phase in regions such as Peru and Italy informed revisions alongside alignment with the ISEAL Code of Good Practice for Sustainability Systems.
The framework incorporates criteria addressing management of lands, welfare of animals, human rights and livelihoods, and primary processing encompassing water, chemical, energy use, waste, and emissions management.
According to Textile Exchange, this approach links certification more directly to measurable outcomes related to climate, nature, people, and animals.
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.”
Looking forward, the organisation plans to expand the system by partnering with programmes that share its goals for climate and nature impact, including potential integration of cotton produced under preferred production systems, as well as man-made cellulosic fibres.
To facilitate communication around the adoption of the new standard, Textile Exchange has also published its Materials Matter Claims and Labelling Policy. This document has been designed to guide brands in accurately conveying their certification status under the new standard.
Meanwhile, Textile Exchange ensures that it will continue supporting certified sites through additional policies, guidance documents, and collaborative piloting of certification procedures during the transition period.
