New Textile Standard Released
The Textile Exchange recently introduced the Content Claim Standard (CCS), a new standard that incorporates a range of inputs within the supply chain.
Described as a “chain-of-custody standard,” the CCS is a tool that allows companies to verify input materials by requiring each organization within the supply chain to “ensure that the integrity and identity of the input material is preserved.”The new standard allows the use of transaction certificates for inputs at each step of the supply-chain process. Similar to the Organic Exchange standards, upon which it is built, the CCS allows for an expanding base of raw materials, giving manufacturers a flexible tool for supply-chain transparency that can be combined with other social and environmental standards, according to a statement from the Textile Exchange.
“To back up a claim to something with the CCS gives us better footing to know that what we are claiming is valid, and that’s a real competitive advantage,” said Sarah Kelley of Petaluma, Calif.–based eco label Econscious. “Additionally, it’s a platform from which you’re having a discussion with your supplier. If we’re doing it alone, and not to a standard that other people are using, then it doesn’t influence much broad change. But if everyone is carrying that same flag, then the supplier has a greater reason to perform to the level we’re asking.”
The Textile Exchange partnered with the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) to review the CCS. The two organizations will also use the CCS to create a new Organic Content Standard (OCS) to replace the exhibiting Organic Exchange standards. The OCS will apply to a greater range of organic inputs. The Textile Exchange and OIA members, through the Material Traceability Working Group, are looking to create something similar for the outdoor industry and footwear, incorporating materials such as recycled wool and down.The CCS is currently under review for accreditation. Once the process is complete, companies can begin using the standard.Text of the standard is available online at http://textileexchange.org/content/content-claim-standard.The Textile Exchange is a nonprofit, membership-based organization founded to support supply-chain transparency and the integrity of sustainability claims.For more information, visit www.textileexchange.org.—Alison A. Nieder
