Global industry non-profit Textile Exchange has launched its latest Material Change Insights (MCI) Report summarizing how the industry is progressing in its shift to preferred materials.

The 2020 MCI reveals that the average overall score is up 9.8 points - or 17 per cent - this year while remaining at Textile Exchange's Level 3 'maturing' performance band. However, the number of companies in the Level 4 'leading' band more than doubled from 16 to 36.

The uptake of preferred materials was up by nearly a quarter, now accounting for 44 per cent of the MCI portfolio. Preferred renewable cotton and recycled polyester accounted for most of this growth.

Circularity scores increased on average by 37 per cent with the biggest growth among outdoor/sports brands. Nine companies - C&A, H&M Group, Knickey, MUD Jeans, Nudie Jeans, Outer known, Patagonia, prAna and The North Face - achieved the 'leading' Level 4 ranking.

Greenhouse gas savings also showed some improvement, mostly linked to the use of recycled polyester. Savings there were 0.7 million tons CO2eq, a 16 per cent saving over conventional polyester.

Participation in the program was up 10 per cent. A total of 191 companies took part, compared to 173 the previous year, with the most growth within the apparel and footwear sub-sector.