SAC adds new High Index tool
Multistakeholder group the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) has responded to criticism of its Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI) and launched a new tool, the Higg Product Module (PM) to help brands evaluate the environmental impact of their products.
The Higg MSI has come in for criticism because its focus is cradle-to-gate, which has led to claims that it favours products made from synthetic fibres over those made from natural fibres. The SAC has consistently denied that its tools favour plastic-based materials, but it has, nevertheless, added the new tool.
“We are moving beyond a ‘materials-only’ view of product impact,” said SAC’s vice-president for the Higg Index, Jeremy Lardeu. “The Higg PM will consider design, manufacturing, packaging, logistics, excess production, product durability, care, and end-of-use, delivering a full view of a product’s comprehensive environmental impacts.”
