Textile Exchange
(Source: Textile Exchange)
The existing human rights component of the tool of global non-profit organization Textile Exchange is based on criteria set out in WWF’s Certification Assessment Tool (CAT). Now, the organization is aiming to bring the Preferred Fiber and Materials Matrix (PFMM) methodology fully in-house and develop criteria aligned to industry-leading practices, working with experts in the field and through multistakeholder engagement.
The PFMM aims to help apparel, footwear and home goods companies make informed sourcing decisions by providing transparent data and consolidated, validated guidance on over 65 of the industry’s most commonly used materials.
Not merely a ranking, but a robust method to assess materials across broad impact areas, the PFMM combines quantitative and qualitative data that allows for detailed comparisons within each specific material category. Impact criteria includes indicators across soil health, water contamination, human rights, and animal welfare.
Building on the Preferred Fiber Toolkit of Gap Inc., San Francisco, CA/USA, the framework leverages existing tools like the Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI), Textile Exchange’s own Animal Welfare Framework, and third-party assessment of programs and certifications.
Textile Exchange, O’Donnell, TX/USA, has worked with Ergon Associates Ltd., London/UK, to develop the human rights criteria, thanks to their expertise in labor standards and human rights, and extensive experience in working with the textile industry. Ergon has already undertaken expert stakeholder engagement with a number of organizations in the initial development of the criteria.
Now, Textile Exchange is sharing the draft criteria and an explanatory document for open public consultation. The consultation will close on March 29, 2023.
The aim of the project to deliver a revision of the methodology for assessing the robustness of human rights criteria of each relevant raw material standards system or certification program within the PFMM.
If you are interested in providing feedback on the criteria, you can do so by sharing your comments by March 29 via email to: matrix@textileexchange.org
The PFMM aims to help apparel, footwear and home goods companies make informed sourcing decisions by providing transparent data and consolidated, validated guidance on over 65 of the industry’s most commonly used materials.
Not merely a ranking, but a robust method to assess materials across broad impact areas, the PFMM combines quantitative and qualitative data that allows for detailed comparisons within each specific material category. Impact criteria includes indicators across soil health, water contamination, human rights, and animal welfare.
Building on the Preferred Fiber Toolkit of Gap Inc., San Francisco, CA/USA, the framework leverages existing tools like the Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI), Textile Exchange’s own Animal Welfare Framework, and third-party assessment of programs and certifications.
Textile Exchange, O’Donnell, TX/USA, has worked with Ergon Associates Ltd., London/UK, to develop the human rights criteria, thanks to their expertise in labor standards and human rights, and extensive experience in working with the textile industry. Ergon has already undertaken expert stakeholder engagement with a number of organizations in the initial development of the criteria.
Now, Textile Exchange is sharing the draft criteria and an explanatory document for open public consultation. The consultation will close on March 29, 2023.
The aim of the project to deliver a revision of the methodology for assessing the robustness of human rights criteria of each relevant raw material standards system or certification program within the PFMM.
If you are interested in providing feedback on the criteria, you can do so by sharing your comments by March 29 via email to: matrix@textileexchange.org
