26 Feb SCS Global to Promote Higgs Index
SCS Global Services (SCS), which provides third-party verification of environmental and social performance claims, has joined the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) as an affiliate member. SCS will work to promulgate SAC initiatives and promote the Higgs Index, a sustainability measurement tool originally developed under the aegis of the Outdoor Industry Association to drive improvements across apparel and footwear supply chains.
With its membership in the SAC, SCS Global Services joins more than 150 global brands, retailers and manufacturers, as well as government, non-profit environmental organizations, and academic institutions, which are collectively committed to improving supply chain sustainability in the apparel and footwear industries.
SCS aims to advance the Higg Index, a tool which gauges environmental sustainability and guides supply chain decision-making toward better efficiency and sustainability impact. Originally developed under the aegis of the Outdoor Industry Association, the Higgs Index is an open source, indicator-based tool that allows suppliers, manufacturers, brands and retailers to evaluate materials, products, facilities and processes based on environmental and product design choices.
Membership to the SAC deepens SCS’ existing engagement with global apparel and footwear supply chains. SCS pioneered the certification of recycled content claims for textiles and apparel, developed the Responsible Source standard for synthetic polymers and fiber, and certifies responsibly manufactured commercial fabrics against the Association of Contract Textiles facts ecolabel. SCS also assisted the development of the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) through participation in the Textile Exchange’s GRS International Working Group.
“We are pleased to be joining the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and are confident that 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,” says Alicia Godlove, Materials Manager for Environmental Certification Services at SCS. “We look forward to our collaboration with the Coalition and our other colleagues in this important effort.”
“We welcome the addition of SCS Global Services to the Coalition, and look forward to their participation in this industry-wide effort in sustainability, “ said Coalition CEO Jason Kibbey. “Having SCS as part of the Coalition widens the scope of our impact within the apparel industry and accelerates the change we’re making towards responsible industry actions.”
There are currently more than 150 members of the SAC, the majority of which are global brands and retailers including: adidas, C&A, Gap, H&M, JC Penny, Kohl’s, Levi’s, L.L. Bean, Macy’s, Nike, Nordstrom, Puma, REI, Target, and VF Corporation. More information on SAC, the complete Higg Index, and a full list of members can be found at www.apparelcoalition.org.
SCS Global Services has been providing global leadership in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for three decades. Programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, and more. Now in its 30th year, SCS is a Certified B Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practice.
The SAC was formed by sustainability leaders and leading environmental and social organizations to address current social and environmental challenges. Recognizing that improved supply chain practices are both a business imperative and an opportunity, the Coalition seeks to lead a shared vision of industry supply chain sustainability through the creation and use of the Higg Index. In measuring and evaluating apparel and footwear product sustainability performance through the Higg Index, the Coalition aims to spotlight priorities for action and opportunities for technological innovation.