The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has released the exposure draft of its much-anticipated Textiles and Apparel Sector Standard, designed to guide companies in the textile, apparel, footwear, and jewelry sectors in reporting on key sustainability impacts related to human rights, the environment, and social responsibility.
As one of the world’s most widely recognized frameworks for corporate sustainability reporting, GRI’s sector standards are crafted to ensure consistent, comprehensive, and transparent sustainability disclosures across industries. The new draft standard, announced today, is part of GRI’s broader initiative to develop tailored standards for 40 sectors with the highest environmental and social impacts.
The textile and apparel sector was prioritized due to its complex and fragmented supply chains, which expose the industry to significant challenges such as labor rights violations, human rights concerns, and escalating greenhouse gas emissions.
“The textiles and apparel sector provides essential goods globally, but with its size and complexity come serious risks to people and the planet,” said Peter Dawkins, GRI Standards Senior Manager and project lead. “This new Sector Standard aims to enhance accountability and help organizations report effectively while embedding responsible business practices.”
Developed by a 21-member expert working group appointed in early 2024, the draft standard covers industries including textile and apparel manufacturing, footwear, and jewelry production and retail. It identifies 18 “likely material” topics that organizations must disclose on, or explain if not applicable. These topics include:
- Climate change and biodiversity
- Water and effluents
- Hazardous chemicals
- Waste and circular economy
- Child labor and forced labor
- Occupational health and safety
- Procurement practices and anti-corruption
- Supply chain traceability
- Rights of Indigenous Peoples and gender equality
Chulendra de Silva, GSSB member, emphasized the importance of the new standard:
“The sector’s environmental and social impacts are vast. This standard will empower organizations to identify and report their most significant impacts, driving greater transparency and ethical business practices.”
The public comment period for the draft standard is now open and will remain so until September 28, 2025. The finalized standard is scheduled for release in Q2 2026.
👉 Access the full draft and provide your feedback:
View the Exposure Draft and Consultation
