Materials Matter Standard (MMS)

The MMS is a voluntary sustainability label for the production and primary processing of raw materials used in fashion and textiles. It covers several existing labels (GRS, RCS, Responsible Animal Fibers) and establishes a common framework that guarantees respect for the environment, people, and animals.

MMS sets specific requirements for fiber/raw material producers and for operators involved in the first stage of fiber/raw material processing on:

• Natural resources and climate management.
• Working conditions, human rights, and workers' livelihoods.
• Animal welfare (for animal fibers).
• Primary processing: management of water, energy, chemicals, waste, and emissions in upstream operations (farms, recycling facilities, etc.). The goal is to link production practices to measurable environmental and social outcomes, with a third-party audit system and a specific claims & labeling policy.

Textile Exchange has published a “Materials Matter Claims and Labeling Policy” specific to MMS. It defines:

• A new MMS logo/certification mark.
• The types of claims allowed (e.g., “Materials Matter certified” under certain content and traceability conditions).
• The use of the MMS logo and claims is governed by Textile Exchange's Materials Matter Claims and Labeling Policy. It requires valid certification (MMS + chain of custody) and strict compliance with the wording and usage rules. Additional operational guidelines are expected in 2026.

MMS applies to raw materials and their primary processing (Tier 4), not to finished products.

Version 1 covers:

• Animal fibers from the former Responsible Animal Fibers framework;
• Recycled materials, which were previously covered by GRS and RCS.
• The integration of OCS and organic cotton is planned for a later date.

This mainly concerns upstream players (producers, farms, recyclers, and primary processors), but also at brands and retailers using MMS-certified materials to secure their communications. Entities certified under the old labels will gradually transition to MMS.

Throughout the entire production chain, CCS guarantees remain applicable.

• Your existing certifications will be maintained during the transition, with a gradual shift to Materials Matter on the dates indicated.
• The requirement is structured around Tier 4 (and the continuity of the CCS for chain of custody and claims).

To know more about MMS: https://textileexchange.org/materials-matter-standard/

Important Timelines

• December 12, 2025: Publication of the final MMS criteria and the associated claims and labeling policy
• December 31, 2026: Opportunity for relevant and eligible companies to become certified under the new MMS.
• December 31, 2027: New MMS mandatorily comes into effect for eligible farm production & first processing companies, with a scheduled phase-out of the old Textile Exchange standards

At the end of the period defined by Textile Exchange, the MMS will become the sole framework.