As a trade association consisting of brand names, retailers, government and non-government agencies, academic institutions, and manufacturers, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) plays a vital role in the setting the standards and certifications of sustainable and eco-friendly fashion and apparel products.
With its role as an industry arbiter, the SAC recently launched its highly anticipated Higg Index, which is essentially a tool geared for sustainability measurement, applicable for various aspects in the fashion and apparel industry.
The Higg Index is originally developed by SAC certified members, based on a number of effective evaluation tools and modes. These modes would include evaluation tools such as Nike’s Material Assessment Tool and the Outdoor Industry Association’s Eco Index.
As a whole, the Higg Index is positioned to offer a more comprehensive measurement tool in assessing the social and environmental impact of footwear and apparel products, allowing fashion industry stakeholders the chance to easily and readily identify avenues where the reduction of waste and better long-term sustainability strategies can be implemented.
“The Higg Index marks the most thorough and complete attempt at measuring environmental performance data from material sourcing through end of life. We are confident it will have a positive impact on product sustainability over time, and become a model for how industries can collaborate in making a positive impact on value chain performance,” shares Jason Kibbey, Executive Director, Sustainable Apparel Coalition.
Given the number of certifications which abound in the eco-sensible industry, the Higg Index is primed as a consolidated measurement and assessment body, one which comes as great news for manufacturers and consumers who are prone to “get lost” in finding out which is what when talking about sustainable standards.
With it, brands and consumers no longer have to be confused when talking about certifications and standards.