Trend Watch
As we approach AW 2026, the global textile trade landscape is being reshaped by increasingly stringent environmental regulations and consumer awareness. The EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and similar US legislation are turning export certification from an option into an obligation. Traditionally, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 focused on harmful substance residues in products, but its scope has expanded to include process-oriented chemical management (STeP) and traceability (MADE IN GREEN).
Simultaneously, the application of the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is broadening significantly. GRS is no longer limited to recycled polyester but extends to blends, fiber-level materials, and even trims, requiring full supply chain traceability of recycled content and mass balance. By AW 2026, the EU is expected to enforce mandatory recycled content declarations for textiles, making GRS certificates crucial evidence for exporters to prove compliance.
The weight of BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) is also rising. European and American buyers increasingly treat BSCI audit results as a precondition for supplier admission, with standards becoming more detailed each year, focusing on working hours, wages, health & safety, and young worker protection. In 2026, with the implementation of the EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), the 'social responsibility' dimension of BSCI will be deeply integrated with environmental and governance (ESG) factors, forming a comprehensive rating.
Notably, synergy among certifications is emerging. A single certificate is insufficient to cover all dimensions; buyers prefer suppliers holding triple certifications (OEKO-TEX, GRS, BSCI), viewing them as strong signals of risk management and sustainability commitment. Moreover, the piloting of Digital Product Passports (DPP) is accelerating, requiring certification data to flow digitally with products, pushing companies to build data management capabilities.
Industry Impact
Certification upgrades are reshaping value distribution across the textile supply chain. For factories, achieving multiple certifications entails significant upfront investments, including equipment retrofits, chemical inventory audits, employee training, and third-party audit fees. However, in the long run, certifications can substantially reduce risks of returns, fines, and order cancellations due to non-compliance. In AW 2026, major Western buyers are expected to make certification status a core criterion in annual supplier reviews, gradually phasing out non-compliant suppliers.
For buyers and brands, certification systems become a lever for supply chain transparency. By requiring suppliers to provide certified recycled materials and compliant production evidence, brands can effectively mitigate greenwashing allegations and enhance consumer trust. For instance, fast-fashion giants have announced goals to use recycled or recyclable materials by 2030, and GRS certificates are the only reliable means to verify their fulfillment.
The role of designers is also evolving. Previously focused primarily on aesthetics and function, designers must now integrate certification requirements into the initial design phase. Choosing certified low-impact fibers and designing for recyclability with mono-materials not only eases downstream certification but also enhances circular value. In AW 2026, designers with a 'certification-friendly' mindset will be more sought after.
Foreign trade enterprises face dual challenges: accurately interpreting regulatory variations across countries to avoid customs holds due to mismatched certificates, and coordinating supply chains to help factories upgrade certifications to maintain order competitiveness. Additionally, the rise of green finance means banks and investors are incorporating ESG performance (including certifications) into lending conditions, making certifications a key asset for accessing low-cost capital.