The Preferred Fiber and Material Matrix is an interactive tool to guide sourcing decisions.

Up to 80% of a clothing item’s climate impact is determined at the product design stage, so sourcing decisions can be critical. The Preferred Fiber and Material Matrix (PFMM) assesses the trade-offs of different sustainability certifications, initiatives, and branded materials. It was conceived by Gap Inc. to help their designers and product teams understand the impact of their fiber and materials choices. We were given responsibility and ownership of the tool in 2020.

Goals

We’re helping brands big and small better understand their impacts.

The PFMM shares data and guidance on over 65 of the most common materials, programs, and initiatives. We’ve taken advantage of the expertise of others in the sector to help us to refine the tool so that it combines qualitative and quantitative data and is an essential decision-making asset for the industry. 

spools of thread.
HOW IT WORKS

Holistically assessing fibers and materials

  • Created by the Industry

    The PFMM was designed by the fashion and textile industry, for the fashion and textile industry.
  • Broad assessment

    The PFMM assesses over 65 programs and materials.
  • Robust methodology

    The methodology considers more than six impact areas: climate and greenhouse gases, soil health and land management, chemicals and toxicity, water use and pollution, human rights, waste, and animal welfare.
  • Transparency

    The PFMM is more than a score. The assessment always provides essential context.
  • Comparison

    The PFMM lets you compare material types to make more informed sourcing decisions.
bolts of fabric.
Development

We’re busy working on your feedback.

The PFMM was launched to our members last fall. Since then, the methodology has undergone another round of revisions and a public review. We’re working on this feedback ahead of releasing it to the world in 2023.