Public consultation on the draft SFA Fibre Processing Standard v2.0 is now open, and the Sustainable Fibre Alliance (SFA) is inviting all stakeholders from across the natural fibre sector to review the proposed Standard and share their feedback.
Originally published in 2021 as the SFA Clean Fibre Processing Standard, the Standard established requirements for the primary processing of cashmere fibre. Following stakeholder consultation and review, a number of developments are now being proposed to strengthen and broaden its scope, reflected in its proposed new title – SFA Fibre Processing Standard.
The consultation is open until
6 November 2026
Have Your Say: Public Consultation Open Until 6 November
Stakeholder participation is fundamental to developing credible, practical and inclusive SFA Standards.
We invite SFA Members, Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs), producers, processors, brands, retailers, academics, civil society organisations, and other interested stakeholders to review the draft Standard and share their feedback using our online consultation form.
What’s Being Considered?
The draft Fibre Processing Standard v2.0 proposes a significant evolution of the current Clean Fibre Processing Standard, broadening its scope and strengthening requirements across responsible fibre processing.
Key areas being considered through the consultation include:
- Expanding the fibre scope beyond cashmere to encompass animal fibres more broadly.
- Expanding the processing scope beyond primary processing, with proposed requirements for secondary processing activities, including spinning, dyeing and finishing.
- Introducing requirements for recycled animal fibre processing, covering both pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled fibre.
- Strengthening governance and due diligence, including internal audit, continuous improvement and the assessment of potential negative impacts across operations and supply chains.
- Enhancing environmental and chemical management, including requirements and improvement indicators relating to water, energy, wastewater, waste and the responsible management of chemicals.
- Strengthening social and workplace requirements, including gender equality, child labour, occupational health and safety, and alignment with relevant international conventions and guidance.
- Introducing a revised continuous improvement approach, replacing the existing Bronze, Silver and Gold and traffic-light assessment systems with a framework more closely aligned with the SFA Animal Fibre Standard.
These proposed developments reflect stakeholder feedback received throughout the review process and input from the working groups supporting the development of the draft. We encourage stakeholders to review the draft Standard in full and use the online consultation form to tell us what you think.
Why is the Standard Being Reviewed?
Regular review is an important part of maintaining a credible and effective sustainability standards system.
The SFA Clean Fibre Processing Standard was first published in 2021. In line with the ISEAL Code of Good Practice for Sustainability Systems, which requires standards to be reviewed at least every five years to assess their continued relevance and effectiveness, the Standard is now undergoing its scheduled review.
The SFA also undertook a stakeholder consultation during 2025 to understand where changes may be needed. This feedback, together with input from a core working group representing industry and brands, academia and Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs), has helped inform the draft now being presented for wider stakeholder consultation.
Following this 60-day consultation, all feedback will be analysed and considered as the Standard is further developed. If significant issues require further stakeholder input, an additional 30-day consultation may follow.
The final decisions will sit with the SFA Standard Setting Improvement Committee (SSIC) and the SFA Board, with publication of version 2.0 currently intended for February 2027. The Statement of Intent also outlines plans to publish supporting guidance and information explaining the feedback received and how it was considered.
How to Have Your Say
We encourage all interested stakeholders to read the draft Standard in full before submitting their feedback though the online consultation form.
Public consultation closes on
6 November 2026
If you experience any barriers to participating in the consultation or require additional support, please contact the SFA Standards team at standards@sustainablefibre.org, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Katy Edwards
SFA MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
10 September 2026