Textile Sustainability Foundations — Free Course
Your complete introduction to the textile industry, supply chain, sustainability impacts, and global standards.
In this module, you’ll learn how the textile industry really works — from raw fiber to finished product — and where the biggest environmental and social impacts appear. You’ll also understand the core sustainability metrics used globally and the difference between credible standards and common myths.How to identify and avoid common myths and misconceptions.
This course builds the foundational knowledge required before certifications.
For GRS-specific preparation, see the GRS Certification Guide.
What You’ll Learn in Module 1:
The real structure of the textile supply chain
Key sustainability impacts across each stage
How to read CO₂ , water, chemical, and waste metrics
The difference between voluntary and mandatory standards
How to avoid common myths and misconceptions
How to evaluate sustainability claims
- This section is optional but recommended to set expectations.
- How to identify and avoid common myths and misconceptions.
Lesson 1
The State of the Textile Industry- A clear intro to the textile industry’s global footprint, key challenges, and why sustainability matters.
Lesson 2
Sustainability Fundamentals- Understand what sustainability really means in textiles — beyond materials — through environmental, social, and economic perspectives.
Lesson 3
The Textile Supply Chain- A step-by-step breakdown of all supply chain stages, with sustainability risks and examples.
Lesson 4
Key Sustainability Metrics- Learn the 4 most important metrics used by brands and auditors: CO₂ , water, chemicals, and waste.
Lesson 5
Industry Standards & Initiatives- Voluntary vs mandatory frameworks, global initiatives, and the standards ecosystem.
Lesson 6
Key Myths & Misconceptions- The 3 biggest sustainability myths and how to counter them with facts.
Additional Resources
Ready for Module 2?
Module 2 explores the most important textile certifications:
GOTS, GRS, OEKO-TEX, RWS — and how to choose the right one.