Governance Framework
Regulatory frameworks managed by the textile exchange organization set the requirements for various sustainability standards used in the apparel industry. The textile exchange policy dictates how certifications like the global recycled standard or the organic content standard are applied and audited. These rules provide the structure for third-party certification bodies to operate and issue transaction certificates.
Standard Setting
Updates to the textile exchange policy are made through a process of stakeholder consultation to incorporate the latest environmental science and industry best practices. This ensures that the standards remain relevant as new recycling technologies and farming methods are developed. The policy defines the minimum thresholds for material content and the social requirements that factories must meet to be certified.
Accreditation Control
Only approved certification bodies that follow the strict guidelines of the policy are allowed to perform audits and grant labels. This centralized control prevents a dilution of the standard and ensures that a certificate from one country has the same value as one from another.
Integrity Monitoring
Regular reviews of the auditing firms and the factories they certify help to detect and prevent fraud in the supply chain. Strict enforcement of these rules is the primary way that the organization maintains the trust of global brands and consumers.
