[pageLogInLogOut]

#Sustainability

SDG roadmap for the apparel, retail and textile sector

Textile Exchange and KPMG, one of the leading global advisory firms, joined forces to develop a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) roadmap for the apparel, retail and textile sector: “Threading the Needle: Weaving the Sustainable Development Goals into the Textile, Retail and Apparel Industry.”

In 2015, the global community of businesses, governments, and civil society organizations agreed to the SDGs, an unprecedented set of 17 targets for people, planet, prosperity, and peace. The SDGs offer a framework to drive business value while impacting a transformative set of sustainability, economic, and social targets.

The report, Threading the Needle, is a culmination of industry interviews, non-government organization inputs, and desk research, the report highlights practical examples for companies in the sector and beyond, grappling with how to integrate the SDGs into their core business and global supply chain. The report features:

Representative examples of SDG aligned shared value opportunities specific to the textile, retail, and apparel industry.

A cluster approach to SDG integration that maps potential programs to defined business needs.

Resources for starting and enhancing a company’s SDG journey, including guidance on multi-stakeholder partnerships and country-specific considerations.

A framework for making the business case for SDG integration.

Threading the Needle report (c) 2018 KPMG / Textile Exchange
Threading the Needle report (c) 2018 KPMG / Textile Exchange


Download:

https://textileexchange.org/downloads/threading-the-needle

More News from Textile Exchange

#Raw Materials

Textile Exchange publishes cotton Life Cycle Assessment study to strengthen impact data

Textile Exchange has published the first in a series of seven Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies designed to improve the quality and robustness of environmental impact data for raw material production across the fashion, textile, and apparel industry. The first LCA study focuses on cotton and addresses critical data gaps and methodology variability through new high-quality data across key producing countries. The study includes organic, regenerative, recycled, and country averages for conventional cotton production systems, providing a clearer picture of the associated environmental impact.

#Sustainability

Textile Exchange unveils commitment-based pathway for members to accelerate responsible raw material production

Textile Exchange has unveiled further details about its new membership structure, designed to guide the fashion, textile, and apparel industry in a collective course of action toward preferred production systems for raw materials and fibers.

#Yarns

Textile Exchange publishes the final criteria for its new Materials Matter Standard, marking a pivotal shift in connecting certification to impact

Textile Exchange has published the final criteria for its Materials Matter Standard—a major milestone in the organization’s multi-year transition toward a unified, impact-driven standards system for raw material production and primary processing. 

#Sustainability

Textile Exchange evolves its membership structure to unlock the next stage of collective action for climate and nature

Textile Exchange is excited to announce that it is evolving its membership structure to a more action-oriented, impact-driven model designed to provide clearly defined pathways that help organizations respond to the climate and nature crisis.

More News on Sustainability

#Natural Fibers

Global Standard gGmbH launches second public consultation for GRTS Draft 2 for the textile industry (1–30 April 2026)

Global Standard gGmbH is pleased to announce the release of Draft 2 of the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS) for its second public consultation. The consultation will be open from 1 April 2026 to 30 April 2026, inviting stakeholders across the textile and apparel value chain to provide input and contribute to the further development of this new Standard.

#Sustainability

Practical toolkit to drive coordinated climate action launched

An open-access workshop toolkit enables brands, suppliers, policymakers and investors across the textile industry to apply the System Map in their own work, identifying leverage points to halve emissions and enable a just transition.

#Sustainability

Experts publish APAC policy priorities

Cascale today announced the publication of its APAC Policy Priorities Paper, developed by the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Policy Member Expert Team (MET) to identify key regional sustainability challenges and provide practical, aligned recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders across Asia-Pacific.

#Sustainability

GOTS version 8.0 released: advanced supply chain accountability, from fibre to finished product

Global Standard is pleased to announce the release of GOTS Version 8.0, the latest update to the world's leading processing standard for organic textiles. The updated Standard strengthens requirements for air emissions and waste management, as well as criteria for product safety. It introduces new provisions on circularity, microfibre management and updates in residue testing. Version 8.0 also elevates due diligence obligations and formalises governance requirements, including ESG disclosure, anti-corruption policies and conflict-of-interest safeguards, to support credible, responsible business conduct.

Latest News

#Raw Materials

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

#Raw Materials

Better Cotton Initiative strengthens regenerative focus in standard update

The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has strengthened the regenerative focus of its field-level standard with the launch of a new version of its Principles & Criteria (P&C), which marks the next step in the organisation’s journey to becoming a regenerative standards system.

#Man-Made Fibers

Selenis and Kintra Fibers partner to scale 100% bio-based synthetic fiber technology

Selenis, a leading global specialty polyester manufacturer, today announced a strategic manufacturing partnership with materials science company Kintra Fibers to scale Kintra’s patented fiber-grade PBS resin - a 100% bio-based and biodegradable material designed for textile applications.

#Functional Fabrics

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.

TOP