Textiles

Timeline for this product group

Zoom InZoom Out

Dates and stages in the timeline are an estimate – contact us for an accurate update on progress for particular products.

  Stage 1: Initial ‘Buying For Government’ standards are developed from existing environmental standards, external expertise or by the Commission and discussed at cross-Government Steering Groups.
  Stage 2: Initial cost benefit analysis undertaken to provide indicative whole life costs and market capacity appraisal for the relevant product group.
  Stage 3: A Cross-Government Steering Group reviews the initial draft standards taking into account Green Public Procurement criteria and agrees draft standards.
  Stage 4: A partial cost benefit analysis and market capacity assessment is prepared (likely to be largely based on initial cost benefit analysis) and a review document published for a shortened stakeholder review period, as part of wider evidence gathering.
  Stage 5: A full cost benefit analysis and market capacity assessment carried out and final draft standards developed.
  Stage 6: Short stakeholder with other Government Departments and the results are fed back to the Cross-Government Steering Group.
  Stage 7: The mandatory standards are finalised for SPPS Project Board approval.
  Stage 8: The mandatory standards are submitted to the Defra Minister for final approval.
  Stage 9: 3 month lead in period before the new standard goes live.



The Government Buying Standards for textiles covers uniforms, merchandise and textiles used in cleaning and catering. It also covers textile use for interior products such as chairs. Wall and floor coverings are however excluded as well as leather goods.

What does sustainability mean for textiles?

Textiles can be divided into those derived from natural sources – such as cotton and wool – and synthetics, such as polyester. These have different impacts and the sustainability considerations cover four areas.

  • Exclusions and controls on the use of potentially harmful and toxic chemicals.
  • Reducing the environmental impacts of the product during use.
  • Encouraging greater use of recycled fibres and end of life management.
  • Ethical standards in production.

All central government departments and their related organisations must ensure that they meet at least the mandatory Government Buying Standards when buying goods and services in the product groups covered on this site.

Forthcoming changes in this area

These specifications for textiles were published in December 2010 and are mandatory from March 2011.

Read the specifications for:

Page last modified: 30 March, 2011