Press release: CSDDD Handbook highlights the need for practical and clear guidelines for the textile sector

23 January, 2025

Four organisations - Policy Hub, the Social and Labor Convergence Program, Fair Wear Foundation, and amfori - have joined forces to present a comprehensive Handbook for Due Diligence Implementation in the Textile Sector.  

The Handbook is intended to support the European Commission in formulating comprehensive guidelines for the textile sector and beyond, as required by the Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDDD) which came into effect on 5 July 2024. 

This practical document provides an overview of the textile industry’s existing tools, instruments, formats and guidance, and identifies the gaps where further clarification is needed. In particular, the document: 

• maps key learnings from ongoing implementation efforts 

• identifies areas where further work or clarification is necessary to ensure efficient and effective compliance with the CSDDD requirements 

• assesses the realities of the textile sector and the issues to be taken into account for a practical and effective implementation of due diligence  

• supports the exercise of developing the general CSDDD guidelines and accompanying measures 

By collaborating on this initiative, the Policy Hub, the Social and Labor Convergence Program, Fair Wear Foundation, and amfori reaffirm their commitment to a robust human rights and environmental due diligence framework.  

The organisations remain committed to working alongside the European Commission to ensure that the forthcoming guidelines are fit for purpose for the textile industry based on existing efforts and gaps. 

Quote attributed to Janet Mensink, CEO, Social & Labor Convergence Program: 

"We are very excited to collaborate with key industry stakeholders in co-authoring this Handbook. The Textile industry faces a number of unique challenges that need to be on the radar of the European Commission as they develop the CSDDD guidelines. This includes duplication of social and labor audits in factories, wasting time and resources that could be better spent on improving working conditions. 

The CSDDD Handbook stands as an excellent source of information to guide policymakers towards practical, effective and comprehensive guidelines. We look forward to continuing to highlight the needs of manufacturers through data-driven insights, to ensure CSDDD implementation is not only efficient but also effective for the industry." 

Quote attributed to Alexander Kohnstamm, Executive Director, Fair Wear:   

“Fair Wear is very proud to be among the contributors to this Handbook. It provides a firm starting point of excellent initiatives and organisations working tirelessly to engage rightsholders' voices and improve conditions along global garment supply chains through practical and impactful due diligence. We are aware that this is not a comprehensive overview of all efforts on human rights due diligence. We view this as an invitation to all concerned to engage in this process and jointly contribute to efficient and effective guidelines.” 

Quote attributed to Marina Prados Espinola, Co-Director, Policy Hub: 

“The handbook demonstrates the importance of collaboration and dialogue among sector stakeholders to foster a holistic understanding of the textile value chain and the diverse perspectives that must be considered when implementing a framework like the CSDDD. We are proud of the work accomplished and its contribution as a valuable resource for the practical implementation of obligations, grounded in the technical realities and expertise of various stakeholders. Due diligence relies on meaningful conversations that reflect the multiplicity of realities—a principle that underpins the development of this handbook. The dialogue must continue in order to further advance the representation and deepening of all the realities of the global textile value chain.” 

Quote attributed to Linda Kromjong, amfori President:   

“amfori believes that industry and multi-stakeholder initiatives play a critical role in supporting companies to effectively exercise ESG due diligence. In times of political uncertainty collaboration remains key – a central approach to amfori’s mission since the launch of amfori BSCI in 2003, where over 2,400 companies worldwide work together. Jointly, we can ensure that ESG due diligence efforts are practical, impactful, and aligned with stakeholders’ needs across industries. This Handbook emphasizes our commitment to contributing to this collective action.”