USB Certification Italy Held an Information Session for the Textile Sector in Prato
As USB Certification Italy, on 27 May 2026 we held an information session dedicated to the textile sector in Prato, in cooperation with Confartigianato Imprese Prato. Held in Prato, one of Europe’s most established textile districts and renowned for its historical expertise in regenerated wool, the session brought together manufacturers and stakeholders in the region around the sustainable certification agenda.
The session explored certification processes, the Textile Exchange Materials Matter Standard (MMS) requirements, and the significant changes introduced by GOTS Version 8.0. Our Operations Manager Giacomo Sarchielli delivered the presentation and then moderated an open discussion with the participants. The concrete challenges facing the sector and the evolving nature of sustainability-oriented certification were assessed together with attendees.
The standards on the session’s agenda will directly affect the textile sector in the period ahead. GOTS Version 8.0 was released publicly on 1 March 2026, and from 1 March 2027 all audits and assessments will be conducted under the new version. The new version introduces mandatory due diligence, enhanced chemical and climate criteria, and new circularity requirements. The Materials Matter Standard, in turn, initiates a transition process that will gradually replace existing Textile Exchange standards.
At the event, USB Certification was represented by Italy Country Manager Aytuğ Scioti, Operations Manager Giacomo Sarchielli, and Client Relations and Operations Assistant Paolo Dalle Piane. As one of Europe’s largest textile and fashion manufacturing hubs, Italy is among the markets most directly affected by these standard updates, which makes direct knowledge sharing with manufacturers in the region particularly important.
USB Certification Italy aims to continue holding such gatherings that strengthen knowledge sharing across the supply chain and to support its stakeholders in the Italian market through standard updates and transition processes.
