Textile Exchange reveals details of new structure
Textile Exchange has unveiled further details about its new membership structure, after announcing a more “action-orientated” membership in November.
The new structure introduces two cohorts: the Community Cohort, suited for organisations who do not directly produce or source raw materials, and the Action Cohort for brands, retailers and raw material producers.
It has revealed that the Action Cohort has a three-step pathway.
Firstly, reporting on progress. For 2026, reporting will continue on a voluntary basis for members, but will become mandatory for brands and retailers in 2027.
Secondly, verifying best practice. As Action Cohort members progress, they will focus on increasing the proportion of their materials sourced or produced from verified preferred production systems.
Best practice verification will focus on actions in areas including pesticide and fertiliser use; deforestation and conversion; animal welfare; textile-to-textile recycling; and human rights and livelihoods.
Members will set targets to increase their proportion of materials from verified systems. Target-setting will be required of brands and retailers in the Action Cohort starting in 2027, with supplier and producer requirements introduced at a later stage.
Thirdly, through designated working groups, members will be supported to take actions that drive system-wide impact.
Sarah Needham, chief engagement and partnerships officer, said: “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.”
