UL announces that it has joined the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) and will use the group’s sustainability measurement tool, the Higg Index, to drive environmental and social responsibility throughout its supply chain. With its membership in the SAC, UL joins more than 200 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, footwear and textile industries.
UL partners with clients to support them with every aspect of sustainability and supply chain management, including developing a proactive stance and demonstrating ‘green’ and sustainable credentials, assist in gaining better visibility into supply chain issues and mitigate risk and implementing customized and comprehensive Environmental Management Systems. UL helps companies demonstrate willingness to invest in the long-term future of the business through sustainable supply chain practices and assists them in gaining a competitive advantage through sustainability initiatives and implementation of best practice procedures.
Elisa Gavazza, UL’s Global Lead for Chemical Management, states, “We are pleased to be joining the SAC. 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.”
In its relationship with the SAC, UL will contribute both data and resources to support the Higg Index, which measures sustainability performance and drives supply chain transparency and decision-making to better efficiency and sustainability impact. The Higg Index is an open sourced, indicator-based tool that allows suppliers, manufacturers, brands and retailers to evaluate materials, products, facilities and processes based on environmental and product design choices.
“We welcome the addition of UL to the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, and look forward to its participation in this industry-wide effort in sustainability. Having UL as part of the coalition widens the scope of our impact within the industry and accelerates the change we’re making towards responsible industry actions” said SAC CEO Jason Kibbey.
Companies or organizations that are not currently members of the SAC and are interested in accessing the Higg suite of tools, may inquire at apparelcoalition.org/join-us/.