The Materials Matter Standard (MMS) has been released, ushering in a new era of sustainable certification in the textile industry
Industry milestone! Textile Exchange releases MMS standard
Textile Exchange, an authoritative organization that has been deeply involved in the field of sustainable textiles for more than 20 years and covers over 90000 certified sites worldwide, recently announced the Materials Matter Standard (MMS) criteria and supporting policies! This is not only an iteration of standards, but also a key leap for the textile industry from "certification labels" to "measurable actual impacts" - climate, nature, culture, animal welfare will be included in a unified scientific evaluation framework.
Why is it called a 'sustainable framework for the new era'?
As a heavyweight achievement of Textile Exchange's 5-year refinement, the core mission of Materials Matter standards is to align the ambition, rigor, and expected results of our existing material standards, and to steer the industry towards a more coherent and scientific way of measuring and validating impact.
Through close collaboration with stakeholders throughout the entire supply chain, including a diverse international working group composed of brands, retailers, manufacturers, non-governmental organizations, suppliers, and technical experts, after two rounds of global public consultation and conducting a global pilot program in regions from Peru to Italy, while ensuring consistency with the ISEAL Sustainable Development System Good Practice Guidelines, a framework that balances "practicality" and "high goals" was ultimately formed, covering five core dimensions:
✅ land management
✅ animal welfare
✅ Human Rights and Livelihoods
✅ Core production processes (water, chemicals, energy, waste, emissions)
✅ Data traceability and declaration credibility
The broader material issue system links certification with data, traceability, and declaration. Trackit ™ Platforms and other tools provide verifiable information support for each certification statement, supporting regulatory readiness and market trust.
What materials does the first edition cover? How will it expand in the future?
Version 1 Core Coverage:
Responsible animal fibers (wool, alpaca wool, mohair)
• Recycled materials (covered by the original GRS/RCS standard)
Chain of custody support (continuing the core functions of CCS standards)
Transition and Expansion Plan:
Organic cotton: Integrating into the system through a "gradual transition path", retaining its traceability function, and strengthening the comprehensive benefits of farmer centered orientation;
Future direction: We will collaborate with trusted institutions to gradually include more categories such as "preferred production system cotton" and "synthetic cellulose fiber", reduce the burden of repeated certification, and make brand procurement more efficient.
Key transition timeline
December 12, 2025: Release of material substance standards and material substance declaration and labeling policies.
On December 31, 2026, this standard will come into effect, and GRS/RCS/RAF certification bodies can begin auditing according to material matter standards or continue auditing according to current standards.
December 31, 2027: This standard becomes mandatory, which means that all eligible Tier 4 audits require material matter standards to maintain certification.
Action guide for each role: What should be done now?
Tier 4 (Farm/Primary Processing Plant)
1. Study the new standard criteria as early as possible to prepare for the transition to the 2026 audit;
2. Learn the 'Declaration and Labeling Policy' and standardize B2B communication language;
3. Promote new certification labels and declaration language internally;
4. Communicate personalized transition plans with certification agencies.
Tier 1-3 suppliers
1. Understand the labeling policy thoroughly to ensure the accuracy and credibility of supply chain statements;
2. Assist certification partners in completing the transition to new standards;
3. Sign a trademark agreement and receive label materials in the fourth quarter of 2026;
4. After December 31, 2026, the scope of Materials Matter certification will be added to the certification audit.
brand owner
1. Using labeling policies to convey authentic and responsible certification information to consumers;
2. Collaborate with supply chain partners and synchronize the pace of transition;
3. Complete trademark authorization in the fourth quarter of 2026 and prepare for label application;
4. Pay attention to the "Declaration Approval Process Guidelines" and Brand Exclusive Label Guidelines released in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Important supplement: SC/TC policy update
The originally planned synchronized release of 'Scope Certificate&Transaction Certificate Policy v4' has been adjusted to be released in early 2026. Textile Exchange will reserveat least one year of transition period to ensure that the new policies are deeply aligned with the Materials Matter system and fully incorporate industry feedback.
ASCP walks with you
Standard transition is not a solitary battle! ASCP will continue to pay attention to updates in standard policies and resources, and share updates with everyone. Let's work together to make the value of materials surpass the products themselves, build prosperous communities and healthy ecosystems, and witness a new future of sustainable textiles!
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