At Textile Exchange, we’re all about guiding the fashion and textile industry toward a future where sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s woven into every thread. Our latest resource, the Guidance on Science-Based Targets for Nature, shines a spotlight on how brands can move beyond climate goals to embrace a broader, nature-positive vision. Published in February 2025, this document taps into the Science-Based Targets Network (SBTN) framework, offering practical tools and insights tailored for our industry. Let’s unravel how these tools can help textile businesses align with nature’s needs while keeping production purposeful.
Why Nature Matters in Textiles
The fashion industry relies on nature—from cotton fields to water-intensive dyeing processes. Yet, for too long, we’ve viewed climate action in isolation, missing the bigger picture: nature and climate are deeply interconnected. The SBTN framework, launched by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and its nature-focused arm, the Science Based Targets Network, flips that script. It’s a five-step process—assess, prioritize, set targets, act, and track—that helps companies measure and manage their environmental footprint holistically. Textile Exchange’s guidance zooms in on step three: setting science-based targets for nature, with a focus on land, freshwater, and biodiversity.
Our industry has unique impacts—think cotton farming’s toll on soil or leather tanning’s strain on water systems. The SBTN framework gives us a roadmap to address these, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. That’s where Textile Exchange steps in, translating this global methodology into actionable steps for fashion brands, suppliers, and manufacturers.
Tools to Get Started
The Guidance on Science-Based Targets for Nature isn’t just theory—it’s packed with tools to make the framework work for textiles. Here’s a rundown of what’s inside:
- Step-by-Step Alignment with SBTN: We’ve broken down the SBTN’s five steps, spotlighting how to set targets that reflect our industry’s realities. For instance, assessing impacts might mean mapping where your cotton or wool comes from, while prioritizing could focus on high-impact areas like deforestation or water use in dyeing.
- Traceability Solutions: One of fashion’s biggest hurdles is supply chain opacity. Our guidance tackles this head-on, offering practical estimates for brands sourcing through aggregators—say, cotton from a co-op where the exact farm isn’t known. It’s about working with what you’ve got while pushing for better visibility.
- Material-Specific Insights: From cotton to synthetics, we outline how to evaluate your material mix and its nature-related impacts. What ecosystems does your production lean on? Where are the biodiversity risks? These questions guide target-setting with precision.
- Integration with Existing Tools: Textile Exchange doesn’t reinvent the wheel—we build on it. Our guidance syncs with tools like the Material Change Index and Biodiversity Benchmark, letting brands layer nature targets onto their existing sustainability efforts.
Bridging Gaps in Fashion’s Approach
The document isn’t static—it’s a starting point. We’re encouraging brands to jump in, test these tools, and share feedback. The SBTN is already planning updates based on early adopters, and fashion’s voice can shape the next iteration to be even more relevant.
A Call to Action
Setting science-based targets for nature isn’t just about compliance—it’s about leadership. Companies like Kering, who’ve piloted these targets, show it’s possible to go beyond carbon footprints to protect freshwater and restore land. Textile Exchange’s guidance makes that journey accessible, whether you’re a global brand or a small supplier.
So, where do you start? Dive into the Guidance on Science-Based Targets for Nature on our site. Use it to map your impacts, set ambitious yet achievable goals, and track progress alongside our community. Nature’s calling—and with these tools, the textile industry can answer.