In a move meant to create a meaningful, measurable impact on the textiles-fashion industry’s most pressing issues, global nonprofit Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) has outlined three pillars on which it will strategise and act on specific, targeted initiatives by harnessing its data.
- Recognising the potential of industry data that it has gathered over the years, the SAC is attempting to usher in a new era by transforming that potential into impactful reality.
- A key example of SAC’s ongoing evolution is the soon-to-be-released Higg FEM 4.0 which will be launched in November 2023.
THREE PILLARS: The three pillars which would help sharpen its focus have been identified as — combating climate change, ensuring decent work for all, and shaping a nature-positive future.
- Combating Climate Change: The SAC is concentrating its resources on building robust capabilities, developing data systems, and refining target-setting mechanisms that support brand and manufacturer decarbonization efforts, focused on supply chain emission hotspots. A notable example is the Decarbonization Program launched last year, which aims for a 45% emissions reduction by 2030.
- Decent Work for All: The SAC work here will focus on enabling the adoption of effective foundational management systems across the vast manufacturing base, while also advancing the adoption of more responsible brand purchasing practices.
- Nature-Positive Future: The SAC is committed to advancing circular product design and development practices, fortified by sound foundational environmental management systems for manufacturers and their facilities.
DATA PACK: Recognising the potential of industry data that is has gathered over the years, the SAC is harnessing its data to glean insights that inform actionable strategies.
- Use the data to map out clear pathways to tangible, lasting impact.
- The verification process is evolving from a traditional audit approach to a comprehensive journey of performance improvement.
- The data serves as a foundation to create conditions that foster effective collaboration, especially in areas demanding collective action.
HIGG FEM 4.0: A key example of the SAC’s ongoing evolution, is the soon-to-be-released Higg FEM 4.0. Launching in November 2023, the revamped tool, developed in close collaboration with SAC’s extensive network of manufacturers and brands, sharpens its relevance and effectiveness.
Higg FEM 4.0 will allow for:
- Data Precision: Improved data quality, enabling more accurate environmental assessments.
- Industry Alignment: Compliance with GHG Protocol and ZDHC Roadmap to Zero standards allows for precise Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions calculations, facilitating seamless Scope 3 reporting for brands and retailers.
- Expanded Scope: Broader coverage of critical environmental issues, from groundwater to soil contamination.
- User-Centric Design: Streamlined question sets and advanced platform features make the tool more intuitive and informative.
- Audit Efficiency: The update significantly reduces the need for duplicate audits, a crucial advantage for manufacturers.
WHAT THEY SAID:
We stand at a crossroads. We can either remain passive participants or become catalysts for profound, industry-wide change. This isn’t just the SAC’s journey; it’s a collective endeavor. Your involvement is the accelerator for our shared impact. We’re not merely ticking boxes; we’re drafting the blueprint for sustainable industries worldwide.
— Amina Razvi
Chief Executive Officer
Sustainable Apparel Coalition
