Global industry non-profit Textile Exchange has launched its latest Material Change Insights Report. As per Eco Textile, the report was launched alongside a new Material Change Index (MCI) Leaderboard, which tracks individual company progress, and an 'Impact Dashboard' which models sourcing impacts.

Textile Exchange launched all the three reports together to provide a comprehensive, multi-pronged analysis of the industry which would enable s users to explore and engage with the data in multiple ways. Through these reports, users can track progress towards the industry’s climate goal of a 45 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade, as well as global efforts like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the transition to a circular economy.

As per Claire Bergkamp, COO, Textile Exchange, the Material Change Index is the largest peer-to-peer comparison initiative in the textile industry. It helps companies and suppliers focus their efforts and drive towards substantial change. The 2020 MCI reveals 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 increased by nearly a quarter, now accounts 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, Outerknown, Patagonia, prAna and The North Face - achieved the 'leading' Level 4 ranking.

Greenhouse gas savings also increased due to the use of recycled polyester. Participation in the program also increased with 191 companies participating this year compared to 173 the previous year, with the most growth within the apparel and footwear sub-sector.