Textile Exhange's Materials Matter Standard is a voluntary framework, focused on sustainability in the production and initial processing of raw materials for the fashion, textile and apparel sectors. It aims to encourage practices that take into account the impact on climate, natural environments, people and animals during textile production.
Materials Matter Criteria for Certification Bodies, and the Materials Matter Risk and Sampling Criteria and Tools Policy, are intended to ensure “consistent and robust certification” of Textile Exchange's framework.
Under the new policies, certification bodies and third-party organisations responsible for conducting Textile Exchange certification will have access to clear requirements and practical guidance for evaluating organisations against the Materials Matter Standard.
Textile Exchange said the policies clarify methodologies for assessing risk and establishing audit plans, aiming to ensure greater consistency and transparency in certification activities.
The criteria for certification bodies outlines the minimum standards that must be met to deliver certification under the programme. The accompanying risk and sampling policy details tools and procedures for evaluating organisations’ risk profiles and developing proportionate audit plans, according to the company.
Together, these documents form the backbone of the standard’s assurance framework, which is intended to foster uniform assessments throughout the certification system.
Textile Exchange said: “The standard provides a shared direction for the fashion, textile, and apparel industry, while establishing consistent requirements across all materials so their production respects climate, nature, people and animals.”
The organisation has adopted a phased approach for transitioning to the new standard. In 2026, it will focus on equipping certification bodies with the details and resources needed to be ready for the standard’s implementation
Textile Exchange confirms that the new guidance will be effective from 31 December 2026, with compliance mandatory from 31 December 2027.
This timeline includes an optional year for early adopters to begin certification and allows other organisations additional time to adapt.
