Sustainable Apparel Coalition Recognizes SCS Global Services As Approved Verifier for New Pilot Program
Leading third-party certifier SCS Global Services (SCS) announced today that it has been approved for the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) Verification Pilot for the Environmental Facility Module. SCS joined the SAC as an affiliate member in February 2015. As an approved verifier, SCS can now complete independent verifications of apparel and footwear manufacturers using the Higg Index Environmental Facility Module.
The SAC is a multi-stakeholder industry group whose members represent more than a third of the global apparel and footwear market. It first released the Higg Index on June 26, 2012, a tool to help organizations standardize how they measure and evaluate environmental performance of apparel products across the supply chain at the brand, product, and facility levels. SAC updated the index in December 2013, and has just launched the pilot program for its Environmental Facility Module onsite verification protocol. The protocol was developed to consolidate the environmental criteria previously used by various apparel companies into one assessment tool.
“We are pleased to be an approved verifier for this important pilot program and to be able to participate in this industry-led sustainability effort,” said Nicole Muñoz, SCS Operations Manager. “SCS is well positioned to bring our deep understanding of and experience in environmental sustainability to this collaboration and partnership with manufacturers, brands and retailers.” SCS has been independently evaluating fiber and apparel products since the early 1990s, when it conducted pioneering life cycle assessment studies of recycled and virgin polyester fiber used in the manufacture of fleece outerwear. Since that time, SCS has assessed a range of natural and synthetics fiber products and apparel production processes under its Environmental Certification Services division.
About the Sustainable Apparel Coalition
The Sustainable Apparel Coalition, representing more than one-third of the global apparel and footwear industries, 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. www.apparelcoalition.org
About SCS Global Services
SCS Global Services (SCS) 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, manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, and more. SCS is a benefit corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices.