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Sustainable Apparel Coalition

To advance sustainability in the clothing, footwear, and textile industries, a global coalition of manufacturers, retailers, governments, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is called the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC). To lessen the effects on society and the environment along the whole supply chain, SAC seeks to change corporate practices.

The Mission Of The Sustainable Apparel Coalition

Through the development and promotion of a comprehensive approach to sustainable production, the Sustainable Clothing Coalition aims to guide the textile, clothing, and footwear industries toward a more sustainable future. This entails dealing with issues related to the environment and society, such as the use of energy and water, greenhouse gas emissions, chemical management, labor rights, and worker well-being. SAC thinks that open communication and teamwork may spur constructive changes in the sector.

Key Initiatives And Tools Of The SAC

  • A suite of tools to measure and score environmental and social performance.
  • Higg Product Module (Higg PM): Assesses product sustainability.
  • Higg Materials Sustainability Index (Higg MSI): Evaluates environmental impacts of materials.
  • Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM): Assesses facility sustainability.
  • Higg Facility Social Labor Module (Higg FSLM): Evaluates social and labor conditions in manufacturing facilities.

The Impact Of SAC On The Fashion Industry

The Sustainable Apparel Coalition has had a significant impact on the fashion industry by promoting transparency, collaboration, and sustainability. By bringing together key stakeholders from across the industry, SAC has facilitated the sharing of best practices, the development of common standards, and the implementation of innovative solutions to environmental and social challenges. SAC’s initiatives have helped to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability and have inspired companies to take action to reduce their environmental and social impacts.

Collaborations And Partnerships Within The SAC Ecosystem

SAC collaborates with a wide range of partners, including brands, retailers, manufacturers, NGOs, and government agencies, to advance its mission of sustainability in the apparel, footwear, and textile industry.

By working together, SAC and its partners are able to leverage their collective expertise, resources, and influence to drive positive change across the industry. Some notable collaborations include partnerships with industry associations, research institutions, and advocacy groups to develop new tools and resources, as well as collaborations with governments to promote policy changes that support sustainability goals.

Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) FAQ

Who are members of sustainable apparel coalition?

The Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s members include leading brands, retailers, manufacturers, NGOs, and government agencies from around the world. Some of the member companies include Adidas, H&M, Levi Strauss Co., Nike, Patagonia, and Walmart, among others.

What is the Higg Index?

The Higg Index is a suite of tools developed by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition to measure and score the environmental and social performance of products and facilities in the apparel, footwear, and textile industry. It includes modules such as:

  • Higg Product Module (Higg PM),
  • Higg Materials Sustainability Index (Higg MSI),
  • Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM),
  • Higg Facility Social Labor Module (Higg FSLM).

How can brands and manufacturers implement SAC standards?

Brands and manufacturers can implement SAC standards by becoming members of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and utilizing the Higg Index tools to assess and improve their sustainability performance. This involves measuring and tracking key environmental and social metrics, setting targets for improvement, and implementing best practices throughout their supply chains.

What are the benefits of SAC membership for companies?

SAC membership offers companies several benefits, including access to industry-leading tools and resources for measuring and improving sustainability performance, opportunities to collaborate with other industry stakeholders, and enhanced credibility and transparency with consumers and investors. By joining SAC, companies can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

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