Menu
Welcome to the 2020 Material Change Insights
Insights. Action. Impact.
The Material Change Insights Report provides one of the most comprehensive data-backed analyses of how the industry is progressing in its shift to preferred materials, as well as alignment with global efforts like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the transition to a circular economy.
Learn more about 2020 MCI highlights in the video to the right and be sure to watch the full Companies Creating Material Change here.
Key Insight #1
Ambition is in fashion.
Business is driving a race to the top. Incremental is not going to cut it, and leading companies have stepped up on ambitious target setting. The pressure is now on for achieving them. We need every ounce of determination and collaboration.
Key Insight #2
From selling goods to selling Good.
When a surf wear brand’s website is all about ocean conservation and clean beaches AND they commit to 100% recycled or more sustainable materials, we know the system is shifting.
Key Insight #3
People and planet at heart of corporate mission.
Companies now have a materials mission. Whether it is focused on climate change, nature loss, or the mountains of waste driving the cause, leaders know their business depends upon integrating solutions to these problems.
Key Insight #4
Finding their super power.
Companies are finding their own path to making an impact, while keeping their eye on the goal. Leverage and scale might work for some companies, while agility and intimacy may work for others.
Key Insight #5
Committed to improvement. Together.
Collecting data and reporting is central to transparency. Textile Exchange works hard to keep everyone on track and accountable. We provide the framework, the yardstick. The virtuous cycle of benchmarking and knowledge-sharing allows the entire industry to benefit.
Top 5 Risks
Materials-related business risks identified by participants.
We’re driving a race to the top.
We are tracking industry progress over the next decade.
We applaud all 191 companies represented in the MCI this year, for their commitment, transparency and progress.
The chart shows a breakdown of 2020 MCI participation and performance. MCI Level 1 also includes companies submitting modular surveys.
The chart shows the average bandings for the Material Change Index and family of indices in 2020.
It’s not only what you do, but how you do it.
The MCI reflects progress in both management and uptake of preferred materials, progress towards a circular economy and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Priority Sustainable Development Goals for our participants
Positive environmental outcomes and impacts achieved through preferred materials sourcing.
4.6 million tonnes of preferred materials sourced equals…
Land
3.8 million hectares (11%) of cotton and forest under improved land practices.
Resources
0.4 million tonnes (8%) of materials from recycled feedstock
Climate
1.37 million tonnes CO2e (11%) of greenhouse gas emissions saved.*
Equivalent to driving 5.4 billion kilometers in an average sized car.
Learn more:
Materials Impact Dashboard
Energy
28 billion megajoules (14%) of fossil fuel energy saved.*
Water
643 billion liters (13%) of water saved.*
Equivalent to the water needs of 587 million people for one year.
Learn more:
Materials Impact Dashboard
Savings compared to conventional equivalents. * Source: Higg MSI
Our results show progress, but the transition towards a kinder and more sustainable world needs to happen fast.
This means our industry must be socially just, nature positive, and circular.
We have this decade to do it.
Create Material Change in 2021.
Want to become a Company Creating Material Change?
Submissions open from June, 2021.
Contact CFMB@TextileExchange.org and become a Company Creating Material Change in 2021.
Artwork & Animation
Carlotta Cataldi, Marina Silva
Photography
Veja (cotton leader on bales & explorers in forest, Brazil) • Piping Hot (surfing, Australia) • SAPPI (forest workers, South Africa) • Patagonia (repair services) • Aid By Trade Foundation (rural scene, Africa) • ZQ Marino (sheep farming, New Zealand)
