The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) announced today the release of the Textiles and Apparel Sector Standard exposure draft, aimed at enabling companies operating in the textile, apparel, footwear and jewelry sectors to report on key sustainability impacts in areas including human rights and the environment.

GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards are one of the most commonly accepted global standards for sustainability reporting by companies, developed to enable consistent reporting across companies and industries, providing clearer communication regarding sustainability matters to a broad range of stakeholders, including investors. The GRI’s standards are developed by the Global Sustainability Standards Board (GSSB).

GRI sector standards aim to help identify sectors’ most significant impacts, and to reflect stakeholder expectations for sustainability reporting, according to the GRI. The new draft standard marks the latest in a series of planned sector reporting standards by the GRI, following the publication of its first sector standard in 2021 covering the oil and gas sector, followed by standards for sectors including coal, agriculture, aquaculture and fishing and mining.

The GRI aims to develop standards for 40 sectors, starting with those that have the highest impact, with priority based on the seriousness and the likelihood of their impacts, with consideration given to the size of the sector, distribution around the world, and the number of organizations that are in a position to use the GRI Standards.

According to the GRI, the textile and apparel sector was identified as a priority for the development of a standard due to its complex and fragmented supply chain, which is exposed to a range of negative impacts such as labor and human rights in producing countries, as well as its contribution to rising greenhouse gas emissions.

Peter Dawkins, GRI Standards Senior Manager and project lead for developing the new Standard, said:

“The textiles and apparel sector provides essential goods to millions of people across the world – but with its size, complexity and fragmentation come serious risks to people and planet. By enhancing accountability and transparency for their environmental, social and economic impacts, the new Sector Standard will aim to help organizations report more effectively and embed responsible business practices throughout their operations.”

The new draft standard was developed by a 21-member working group appointed by the GSSB in early 2024, with representatives across business enterprises, civil society, investment institutions, labor organizations, and mediating institutions. The standard is meant to apply to organizations in industries including textile, apparel, footwear and jewelry manufacturing and retail.

The draft standard lists 18 topics likely to be material for most organizations in the sector, which would represent their most significant impacts on the economy, environment, and people, with organizations reporting under the standard expected to provide disclosures on these topics, or to explain why they are not material for their business.

“Likely material” topics listed by the draft standard include Climate change, Biodiversity, Water and effluents, Hazardous chemicals, Waste, materials and circular economy, Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Child labor,  Forced labor and modern slavery, Freedom of association and collective bargaining, Non-discrimination, equal opportunity and gender, Occupational health and safety, Employment, Remuneration and working time, Procurement practices, Anti-corruption, Marketing and labeling, Conflict-affected and high-risk areas, Supply chain traceability.

GSSB member Chulendra de Silva said:

“Sustainability in textiles and apparel is essential, given the industry’s far-reaching environmental impacts – from water and energy consumption to chemical use and waste generation. Social impacts are equally significant, affecting workers, retailers, and end-use customers. While responsible manufacturing and supply chain practices are vital, retailers also play a critical role by fostering respectful partnerships, ensuring fair pricing, and engaging proactively with suppliers. The GSSB believes that a new GRI Sector Standard for Textiles and Apparel can empower organizations to identify their most significant impacts and report on them with clarity and transparency – driving a more ethical, accountable and sustainable industry.”

The GRI announced the launch of a public comment period to gather feedback on the new proposed standard, which will remain open until September 28, 2025. The final standard is expected to be released in Q2 2026.

Click here to access the exposure draft and consultation.